In Dufferin Grove, a big tent of compassion for homeless encampments begins to fray

When officials took steps to remove an encampment in a Toronto park this week, sympathizers rushed to the park to defend it. One of them wore a sign on the back of his jacket made from strips of adhesive tape: “Love Your Neighbour.”

To supporters of those who live in the cluster of tents near the southwest corner of Dufferin Grove Park, it is that simple. If we call ourselves a caring society, we must stick up for its most vulnerable members. Many of those who end up in encampments have mental or physical conditions that have landed them where they are. Unless we find a humane way of accommodating them, we should leave them be.