Police and the city cleared a large homeless encampment overnight at the former Sir John A. Macdonald school — but not before offering a safer place to ride out the COVID-19 crisis.

City housing director Edward John said outreach workers spent a couple of weeks “building relationships” with encampment residents before the tent community came down Monday.

He said most encampment dwellers — around 10 — agreed to try out shelter beds or city-booked hotel rooms on offer. Others, especially those with dogs, left on their own. No one was arrested and there was no “conflict,” John said.

Read more