Brockville police dismantle encampments near Salvation Army building

Police in Brockville, Ont. dismantled encampments in a wooded area near the Salvation Army on Oct. 1, 2025. (Brockville Police Service/handout)

Police in Brockville say two encampments in wooded areas behind the Salvation Army building on First Avenue have been dismantled.

People have been living in tents on a plot of land behind the Salvation Army and encampments have grown, raising concerns about public health, fire safety, and community well-being, according to police.

“In response to these concerns, community partners agreed that coordinated action was necessary. Recognizing the sensitivity of the situation, scheduled visits were conducted over a period of more than two weeks,” police said in a news release Thursday.

The partners included the Salvation Army, Career Services, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the John Howard Society, and Lanark Leeds Grenville Mental Health and Addictions.

“Police visited the encampments multiple times per week. Various forms of assistance were offered to those willing to accept support, and the closure date was clearly communicated and posted,” police said.

Officers and other workers cleared the encampments on Wednesday. Residents were given time to gather belongings and were encouraged to leave voluntarily, police said.

“Notably, the operation was completed without any arrests and was successful, despite the emotional toll,” the news release said.

Police say a “costly and labour intensive” cleanup process is underway.

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