A police homicide investigation at the encampment surrounding Kingston Ont.’s Integrated Care Hub (ICH) is complete, but officials say the area will remain fenced off as part of an “extended closure” while a safety review is carried out.
It’s not clear when the barriers will be removed.
Police and the organizations that run the ICH issued a joint media release on Wednesday evening, describing the timeline as “undefined,” adding that they would share a date for reopening once it had been confirmed.
“The additional closure time will be used to review operations and safety/security matters of the building and area,” the release stated.
“The services of the ICH are crucial to support the most vulnerable in our community and it will reopen and reopen safely.”
The site was blocked off on Sept. 12, following attacks that left two men dead and a woman with life-threatening injuries.
Residents of the encampment have described the men who died as “incredibly selfless.”
Andre Wareham, 47, has been charged with two counts of second degree murder and one of attempted murder.
He lived nearby, but was not part of the encampment, according to police.
“We remain deeply saddened and concerned for all impacted,” read the release from officials.
It adds that in the coming days the city and its partners will coordinate access to the site so people who lived there can gather their personal belongings.
Not clear how many have been displaced
The city said it’s unable to confirm how many people were staying in the encampment at the time of the attacks, though staff had been told the number could be as high as 60.
Residents of the encampment told CBC they believe the count is likely higher, noting it’s not uncommon for several people to sleep in the same shelter.
The ICH also houses Kingston’s only supervised consumption site, which led some to share concerns about people using drugs in isolation without staff nearby to revive them in the case of an overdose.
In the meantime, police will remain at the fenced-off site.
“Community agencies and the City recognize that substantive operational changes need to be made to 661 Montreal St. to preserve the safety of the individuals accessing services, site staff, and the public,” the media release reads.
“It is important we take appropriate time to assess required changes to ensure service improvements and enhanced safety for all.”