Protesters arrested during homeless encampment evictions at Trinity Bellwoods

Police arrested several protesters who came to Trinity Bellwoods Park on Tuesday to support people experiencing homelessness who are being evicted by the City of Toronto.

About 200 protesters gathered near the fence at the west end park Tuesday afternoon chanting “we support the encampments.” A few dozen more protesters inside the encampment fence linked arms to resist being taken away by police.

Protestors and police clash at Trinity Bellwoods Park as City of Toronto staff try to evict homeless campers. (Video from @LauraHanrahan) pic.twitter.com/ffhegqkjo0

— Megan Devlin (@MegDevlinn) June 22, 2021

Witnesses at the scene shared photos of individuals being handcuffed by police and carried away.

Daily Hive saw several court services vehicles waiting nearby to hold arrested individuals.

Folks got cuffed and taken out. pic.twitter.com/47t1tfhZlE

— Carrianne Leung (@kayee13) June 22, 2021

Toronto police say one of the protesters was arrested for assaulting an officer and another was arrested for assault with a weapon. The force has not yet said how many people in total were arrested.

There have been several arrests of protesters including one for assaulting a peace officer and another for assault with a weapon. Further information will be provided later. ^ams

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) June 22, 2021

City of Toronto staff were attempting to evict the 20 to 25 homeless individuals who were living in the park on Tuesday. According to a news release from the City, all homeless individuals are being offered accommodation at a “safe indoor space” with access to meals, showers, laundry, and mental health supports.

Laura Hanrahan/Daily Hive Toronto

During a news conference Tuesday morning, Mayor John Tory said the encampment has become unsafe, in part due to the 114 fires that have occurred there this year.

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Around 1 pm, the City tweeted an update that six encampment residents have accepted the offer to move to supportive housing.

Six people at Trinity Bellwoods Park encampment have accepted safe, indoor space so far – with access to critical supports. The #CityofTO will continue to encourage everyone to come inside.

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) June 22, 2021

Dozens of police officers were on site to help City staff enforce the eviction order. Police equipment included a drone and helicopter overhead.

With files from Daily Hive’s Laura Hanrahan