Brantford mayor offers condolences after two people found dead in encampment

Mayor Ken Davis extended his condolences to those impacted by the deaths of two people at an encampment in Brantford this week.

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Brantford Police responded Thursday afternoon to the homeless encampment in the Eagle Place area after receiving a report of the deaths.

No foul play is suspected in the deaths. The Brantford Police Service is working with the Office of the Chief Coroner with the investigation.

“On behalf of Brantford City Council and city staff, I extend my deepest sympathies to all those impacted by the recent discovery of two deceased individuals in an encampment in Brantford,” Davis said in a release. “My heart goes out to our fellow community members’ families and loved ones at this very difficult time.”

Davis said Brantford’s Homelessness Response Team does its best to help people at encampments find shelter, but it’s not always possible to know when and where a new base has been set up.

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“Once made aware that an encampment has been established, the response team works closely with the individuals who are living in encampments to help connect them with resources and safe shelter,” Davis said.

Previously the mayor said new provincial legislation will help cities better deal with encampments, drug use in public and the homeless crisis.

Earlier this month, Kim Baker, executive director of SOAR Community Services, urged the province to “significantly ramp up investments” in the community for both housing and support for those experiencing homelessness, including addiction and housing retention services.

“We are dedicated to providing evidence-based care and are prepared to participate in outcome-based evaluation to ensure we are making a difference,” she added.

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“We are always willing to collaborate with our municipal and provincial partners to implement improvements to social services that offer real solutions to these complex community issues.”

Police are urging people in the community “to prioritize safe drug use and to reach out to local substance use services for support and resources.”

Davis encourages residents to contact the city if they notice an encampment in the area.

“If residents become aware of an encampment on either their property or on adjacent property, I strongly urge you to report it to the city right away by calling 519-759-4150 or emailing [email protected].,” he said in the release.

Anyone with information about the deaths is being asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Those wishing to remain anonymous are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be may be submitted online at www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/.

With files from Vincent Ball

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