Eviction notice issued for encampments along Thames River near Ridout Street

The City of London has posted eviction notices at a handful of encampment sites along the Thames River behind theLondon Hydro building on Horton Street East near Ridout Street.

And while city officials say the notices are being issued due to the threat of aflood, residents say they're being forced to leavea place where they feelsafe.

The grouping of tents and tarp shelters about a half dozen in total are squeezed along a steep and narrow embankment close to the river.

The eviction notices began to appear on trees beside the encampment on Thursday. Thoseliving at the encampmentwho spoke to CBC News said last weekend, some of their tents were lit on fire overnight.

Sean Horrell is with 519 Pursuit, a group that delivers food and does other outreach work for people who sleep outside.

Horrell said he understands the city's decision to issue the evictions, but said it's unfortunate because it's a spot where many who are staying at the encampmentreport feeling safe.

"We're not sure about the details on how it was caused but the byproduct is that everyone who is living in that area as a safe space, it's no longer available to them," said Horrell.

In a statement to CBC News, Kevin Dickins, the deputy city manager who deals with homelessness issues,said encampments near the river are at high risk for flooding.

"In these circumstances, individuals are required and supported to leave the area for their safety," Dickins said. His statement said the decision to remove encampments is never made lightly, and that those issued eviction notices are directed to services.Dickins said, weather permitting, the site will be cleaned up on Friday.

Mike, who didn't want to give his last name, has been camping at the site for six weeks. Last year, he was evicted from his encampment across the River in Thames Park.

Mike said the site feels safe because that section of the Thames Valley Parkway is closed for ongoing construction work to replace the nearby Victoria Bridge.

He said reduced foot traffic on the trail means fewer visits from "bad people," who might show up to steal from encampments at night. He said the site is partly illuminated at night by the lights in the London Hydro lot. He also said London Hydro workers and security staff often check in on the people staying there, and have given them coffee and food on cold days.

"Having to move, it's just too much," he said. "You just get comfortable and then you've gotta go."

Horrell doesn't deny the river poses a serious safety risk to the people who camp near the Thames.He said 519 Pursuit pays close attention to weather reports and will alert people near the river when the forecast calls for a large snow melt or significant rainfall.

So while he doesn't deny the danger posed by potential flooding,Horrell said for many who sleep outside, being close to the river can actually add to their sense of security.

"A river flooding is honestly one of the lower survival risks that they face on a regular basis," he said. "It's sad to accept that as a truth but having the river on one side creates a safety barrier, that no one is going to pass and so it can give you some security."

Ronald Parker has been living there for six weeks andsaidhe doesn't have another option if he's evicted.

"I have to find another place to camp at right now. The shelters are all very full."