Committee members did interviews that became part of a CBC TV news segment that also included City Councillor Joe Cressy (pictured above from the segment). On the CBC page, find the Toronto news for 6 pm June 8. Skip to the 47 minute mark.
Below is a transcript of the segment that aired on CBC Toronto TV News 6 PM June 8, 2021.
REPORTER: On a day city council passed a new 2.8 million motion to expand the use of porta-potties in city run parks, residents near Trinity Bellwoods Park are feeling like elected officials are missing the real problem.
RESIDENT 1: Unfortunately I think the situation in the park right now is not something that’s going to be fixed by a few dozen porta-potties.
REPORTER: They say it’s a problem that pre-dates the pandemic, and it’s getting worse.
Night footage of a drunk man confronting a resident.
DRUNK MAN: Oh I’m sooooo sorry. Fuck you!!!’
REPORTER: This is the reaction one resident got after confronting a man she says had just urinated on her house.
RESIDENT 2: You know it’s pretty violent and aggressive the responses which is really shocking. It’s total indignation.You ask someone to stop urinating on your property and they swear at you and give you the finger.
REPORTER: More people keep gathering in city parks in the warmer weather. Many come to drink and party. But even with public washrooms and temporary porta-potties at Trinity Bellwoods, many are still relieving themselves on the property of nearby residents.
RESIDENT 1: We’ve reached out to Toronto police service as well as local government officials and unfortunately so far there’s been really no effectual response..
REPORTER: which is why residents here are considering pooling funds to hire off duty police officers or private security to patrol their neighbourhood.
RESIDENT 3: As a community, we feel helpless. So we’re kind of desperate.
JOE CRESSY (CITY COUNCILLOR): I’d like to go in and understand exactly what’s being discussed, cause I’m not aware of that.
REPORTER: City councillor Joe Cressy hadn’t heard about residents hiring security, but said the city has beefed up its security presence and 18 arrests were made over the weekend.
JOE CRESSY: The city’s integrated enforcement team which includes Toronto Police Services, municipal licensing and standards, are working to proactively be visible and take action throughout our destination downtown parks.
He hopes the reopening of patios this weekend may help alleviate the problem. But residents here aren’t so sure. They feel it may only give people more incentive to be out and around others.
RESIDENT 2: You’re going to fill up those patios pretty quickly. And you have this pent up desire for people to be out and partying. Where are they going to end up? It’s like… we can’t be at the bar… then let’s just go here.
REPORTER: Residents say they need more police patrolling their streets, specifically looking for those trespassing on private property. Greg Ross, CBC News.