An all-day movement to counter efforts in Thunder Bay to clear out the abandoned County Fair gas bar.

Not One More Death, the local activist group, is behind the action Friday as city officials are set to clear the privately owned property and fence it off.

In a statement, Not One More Death member PhebeAnn Wolframe-Smith stresses there needs to be a focus on safety for those who are the most vulnerable in Thunder Bay.

“Evicting people from this encampment site will only push people into spaces that are less safe, such as the wooded area next to County Fair Plaza where several violent deaths have occurred in recent years. Moving unhoused people out of sight and putting up a fence is merely a cosmetic solution and does not solve anything.”

The group feels this is an opportunity to centre and understand the needs of people who are impacted by colonialism, systemic racism and over-policing.

Wolframe-Smith added, “We are disturbed that this was the city’s decision after a closed-door meeting. We are seeking more compassionate and appropriate solutions which focus on the needs of the unhoused people using the County Fair site.”

Not One More Death wants the city to provide toilet facilities, garbage disposal resources, and safe needle disposal options as well as fresh water and shelter opportunities.