ST. CATHARINES, Ontario - s4story -- As residents of the Gale Crescent Neighborhood in St. Catharines,  and citizens of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, in the Province of Ontario, we are all facing an unfortunate and explosive crisis. In our own neighborhood, a public park and along Gale Crescent, temporary housing facilities and encampments have sprouted up, housing those without homes and employment that has caused this growing crisis. We are seeing our sidewalks scattered with syringes, human feces, discarded underwear, our streets littered with garbage, and an increase in crime rates, including open drug use, dealing, prostitution, the carrying of objects used as weapons, and most recently, a shooting resulting in the death of a person. We live in fear, afraid to walk in front of our homes. Our neighbors and loved ones have been victims of assaults, aggressive confrontations,  criminal acts demands for money , intimidation, and we can no longer stand by as the homeless continue to grow in number.

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This is a scene that can be seen throughout Ontario and in Canadian cities, municipalities, and towns of every size. Law enforcement agencies, like the Niagara Regional Police are doing their very best, but like other police forces, their hands are tied as what they can and cannot do.

Therefore, we the people demand the application of "The notwithstanding clause" aka Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by our government. This clause permits the government to momentarily override certain Charter rights, which we implore to be used to dismantle homeless encampments, prosecute drug dealers, those publicly using illegal drugs, prostitutes and engage in criminal activity in our neighborhood.

Moreover, in doing so, we believe this will not only improve the safety and cleanliness of our neighborhood but also help those suffering from mental illnesses induced by drug use, as they will be forced to seek professional aid.

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The use of Section 33 has been quite rare since the Charter's inception in 1982, limited to only a few instances. However, we believe in our current state, invoking Section 33 is justifiable and necessary. We trust our government, aware enough to navigate this delicate situation, balancing our primary rights with the urgent need for action.

Sign this petition to help us invoke Section 33 and create a safer, healthier neighborhood for all.

Sign Our Petition at http://www.galecrescent.ca