University of Toronto Obtains Court Order to Evict Encampment The University of Toronto has secured a court order to evict an encampment on campus that has been in place since last fall. The order, issued by the Superior Court of Justice, authorizes the university to remove any tents, structures, and personal belongings from the site. The encampment, located at the corner of College Street and Huron Street, has been home to a group of protesters calling for affordable housing and increased mental health support. The university had previously urged the protesters to leave the site, citing health and safety concerns. In its decision, the court acknowledged the importance of the right to peaceful protest, but found that the encampment was causing “irreparable harm” to the university. The court also noted that the university had offered alternative locations for the protesters to gather and had provided financial assistance to help them relocate. The university is expected to begin the eviction process on Friday, August 12. The protesters have indicated that they will not resist the eviction, but some have expressed disappointment with the court’s decision. “We believe that the university is acting in good faith and that they are trying to resolve this situation in a fair and equitable manner,” said a university spokesperson. “We are committed to working with the protesters to find a peaceful and respectful solution.” The eviction order has sparked mixed reactions from the university community. Some students and faculty members have expressed support for the university’s decision, while others have raised concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable individuals who may be displaced. The university has stated that it will provide support services to any protesters who need assistance with housing, mental health, or other needs.In an effort to address the ongoing encampment situation near its downtown campus, the University of Toronto has obtained a court order authorizing the eviction of individuals residing on university property. The order, granted by the Landlord and Tenant Board, pertains to several sites within the vicinity of the university, including the area surrounding King’s College Circle, which has been occupied by protesters since last fall. The university maintains that the encampment poses safety and accessibility concerns, citing reports of drug use, open fires, and accumulation of waste. It has emphasized the need to reclaim public spaces for lawful purposes and restore order to the area. The decision to seek legal action was made after unsuccessful attempts to engage in dialogue and negotiate a peaceful resolution with the occupants. The court order specifies the authorized removal dates for each of the designated sites and requires individuals to vacate the premises by the stipulated deadlines. The university has stated that it will provide support and resources to those affected by the eviction, including referrals to social services and housing programs. The move has drawn mixed reactions from the community. Some residents and businesses express support for the university’s actions, citing the disturbances and disruptions caused by the encampment. Others, including advocates for the homeless, criticize the decision, expressing concerns about the vulnerability of those being displaced and the lack of adequate housing alternatives. Legal challenges to the eviction order are anticipated, with groups such as the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario vowing to support occupants’ rights. The university has indicated its willingness to engage in legal proceedings but remains committed to enforcing the order and ensuring the safety and well-being of its campus community.