The Governance of Homeless Encampments in Canada

This paper outlines the legislative context of municipal encampment governance in Canada and examines key court decisions shaping how encampments are managed and critiques traditional responses such as removals, identifies barriers to improving strategies, and shows how rights-based approaches can lead to more dignified and efficient responses.

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The Governance of Homeless Encampments in Canada (Institute on Municipal Finance & Governance – IMFG February 2026) provides a critical analysis of the legal and fiscal challenges municipalities face when managing encampments.

This research paper argues that current municipal approaches often frame encampments as public safety issues rather than symptoms of systemic housing failure. The authors suggest that a human rights-based governance model offers a more dignified and sustainable path forward.

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