‘Tent City’ Evacuation – 30 Years
In 2003, a piece of land at the corner of Cherry Street and Lakeshore Boulevard in Toronto had become a symbol of both urban neglect and a growing homelessness crisis. Originally purchased by a major home renovation retailer for a new downtown store, the site became vacant when zoning approvals did not materialize. Over time, it became a significant homeless encampment that became known as ‘Tent City’ – a sprawling site where over 125 people built precarious, makeshift structures, complete with unauthorized and potentially dangerous water and electrical connections.
The situation became more dire over time. Crime, drug activity, and violence added to the encampment’s dangers, while contaminated soil and fire hazards made living conditions unsafe. Despite the owner’s attempts to bring an end to the situation, political resistance and a lack of government action left the company in a difficult position. A headline story in the New York Times about the site raised pressure further and action needed to be taken.
Faced with this challenge, the owner turned to StrategyCorp to undertake making the site safe and getting the people there to a safer environment. StrategyCorp firm built and executed strategy to evacuate people from the site, manage the owner’s relationship with government, and protect their reputation – while all eyes in Canada’s largest market watched. The strategy integrated operational logistics, security coordination, public affairs, government relations, and crisis communications – delivered in an environment charged with political volatility and public scrutiny.
On the day of the removal, a column of security professionals and construction teams led a convoy to enter the site, safely escorted people off the property and erected fencing to secure the property. StrategyCorp maintained real-time communication with the media, managed stakeholder expectations, and prepared the owner’s spokesperson to lead with compassion and clarity. The city announced shelter availability for all affected individuals before the removal took place. No injuries occurred, and the operation concluded without incident.
The owner’s compassionate handling of the situation allowed it to maintain its reputation, and within days, sales even increased. More importantly, people who had been living in hazardous conditions were moved to safer environments. The project highlighted the power of strategic planning and decisive action when public institutions fail to act. It was a defining moment for StrategyCorp – demonstrating how a well-constructed strategy can deliver results even in the face of political inertia.