In cleaning up an encampment, I discovered the passion of its unknown resident
Michael Stewart and his daughter discovered an abandoned encampment along the Rideau River while cleaning up the area. As they sorted through the refuse, they learned about the former resident, a young woman with a passion for nature and wildlife. The experience deepened Stewart's understanding of the complexities surrounding homelessness and the connection to the environment.
- ▪The encampment was hidden along the Rideau River and contained various items including tents and garbage.
- ▪Stewart and his daughter found personal belongings that revealed the former resident's interests and struggles.
- ▪The cleanup effort highlighted the shared love for nature between the resident and Stewart.
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Open this photo in gallery:Michael Stewart and his daughter survey the remains of an encampment along the banks of the Rideau River in Ottawa before cleaning up.Michael Stewart/SuppliedShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountMichael Stewart is an Ottawa-based children’s author. The abandoned encampment was about 45 metres from the bike path and couldn’t be seen until my daughter and I were nearly upon it. Once in full view, my daughter let out a sad whistle. Two tents, one large six-to-eight person and a collapsed four person, were central to a garbage heap. Wooden pallets, chop-shop bike frames and scooters, lines strung between trees, and shopping carts. That’s the easy stuff to haul out.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
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