I’m a small lady who goes hiking a whole lot and have noticed many homeless tents have started showing up along the trails I frequent. I realize they’re just normal people and feel awful for them but it does make me a bit uneasy. Would I have anything to worry about or would it be best to pick up a new hobby? It’s very unlikely that anything would happen right?
I’m in this group and I love it, as a fellow small woman who enjoys hiking in the area, it’s been amazing and I feel very safe
Thank you for this info! I'm on leave from work and love hiking, just don't have the Morrison to do it alone!
Morrison? Lawd I should extend my leave. Motivation*
I was about to Google it to see what it meant!
It means my brain is on backwards!
Don’t feel like you need to pick up a new hobby but I completely empathize with what’s a very valid concern. I’d go hiking with no headphones, keep your phone on you and yes some bear spray or something like it. I’d also say going mid day is likely the best option as most things seem to happen morning and night for any hiking altercations (this is totally anecdotal I’ve just seemingly noticed a pattern).
Purchase dog spray off Amazon. It's legal to carry. Especially if on the trails
bear spray or something like it
Bear spray and dog spray are not the same thing - while both are illegal to carry for self defense in Canada, bear spray can permanently blind humans. It is a controlled substance, in that it's sales are tracked, and you have to sign a liability waiver acknowledging this at point of purchase. If you get caught with it outside of bear country you could be actually looking at a concealed weapons charge instead of a slap on the wrist and a "don't get caught with this again".
You are risking possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes charges for carrying around bear spray in urban areas.
No one would know unless she had to use it. Personally. I'd rather be alive and unmolested but charged with using a weapon.
Nobody is going to charge anyone for hairspray. Nasty stuff.
Bad idea. Most definitely will not stop a crazed lunatic. Dog spray from Canadian Tire. %100 legal to have FOR THE PURPOSE OF DOGS. If someone attacks you, you can use whatever is around to defend yourself....oh wow this DOG spray I have might work.
Good point. But it can also be turned against you. Personally, I'm a big fan of talking myself out of situations. But self defense training helps a lot too.
Absolutely! It's getting to that point with a lot of things.
If you have a third dan black belt in Karate, do you have to hide that too?
Maybe she could have a solid walking stick. Kinda like my skateboard, has a clearly designed purpose but is a great improvised weapon.
Ah yes, the classic “truck fuck”
Exactly and a hiking stick could be a good bo staff.
It's perfectly reasonablable to carry dog spray while hiking. You know, for coyotes and stuff.
Bear spray and dog / coyote spray are both regulated under the Canadian pest control act and vary wildly. As per the pest control act, dog spray is very limited in both strength and volume compared to regulated bear spray.
And skunks. Especially the two legged kind.
carrying bear spray is completely legal in canada and you will definitely not get in trouble for having it on the hiking trails. even if it's off the trail you're very very unlikely to ever have a problem, i carry it in my car and have even been pulled over with it in plain view and have not once had a problem.
The irony of this thread in light of the "would you rather run into a bear or a man" argument is incredible and sad https://www.today.com/news/bear-or-man-woods-tiktok-trend-rcna149611
It absolutely is not
Worth the charge if it prevents you from getting raped, assaulted and/or killed
Exactly, even if a woman was charged for carrying bear spray after using it on a man, very likely to get dropped in court as she was defending herself from a male assailant. If he’s got priors, definitely.
This is not true. Stop spreading misinformation.
This law blog and the others echo what I've been saying.
https://www.torontodefencelawyers.com/understanding-bear-spray-laws-in-canada/
Bear spray is completely legal to carry and not considered a weapon until you use it as a weapon. If, however, you are hiking and use bear spray to defend yourself from a human attacker, you would not be charged.
Any item at all used with “intent to cause harm” is considered a weapon. It could be something as simple as a towel.
Source: have been told this by multiple cops, one is a friend.
ETA: carry dog spray. Cheap on amazon and you risk no questions being asked. Who could say you’ve never had a bad experience with a dog 🤷♀️
Cops aren’t lawyers and are notoriously bad at knowing the intricacies of Canadian law.
Having bear spray for wolves/coyotes isn’t that far fetched.
I got charged with assault with a weapon. No shit, the "weapon" was a loaf of bread. It was thrown out the same day.
And the loaf of bread? Death by gluten?
You know this is Canada you do not have a right to defend yourself with a weapon in Canada. If you are carrying bear spray in Hamilton you will get charged with possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes even if the purpose was defending yourself. There are no bears in Hamilton you have no reasonable cause to have bear spray on you. The laws are stupid but that's how it is
You can absolutely defend yourself with a weapon so long as you use reasonable force.
Alright I guess 10 plus years of policing have taught me nothing. You are right.
Do you have a source to back this up? I carry a non-weapon-weapon (other women will understand) but would like to carry spray. I’ve always seen that is not legal to do so.
This one fits on your key chain. It’s good for unleashed dogs or coyotes which are quite prevalent in the city
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sabre-hunting-dog-attack-deterrent-spray-pink-22-g-0751432p.html
Pepper spray is different from bear spray. If you’re carrying bear spray on a HIKING trail, you could very much be defending yourself from any animal, whether that be a coyote or a fox or even a deer that might be getting aggressive for any reason. It just needs to be very clear that it’s intended for use on animals.
I don't understand why you'd be at all concerned about possibly committing a crime while defending yourself.
Tell me you’re not a woman without telling me
Like I said, I have been a police officer for over a decade. Carry dog spray, it’s not illegal in any way. I only say dog and not bear because bear spray is massive. I don’t know what you mean by non-weapon-weapon so I can’t comment on the legality of that.
Better yet, police the trails, officer.
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7d
Sorry, we've removed your post as it appears to be in violation of Rule 1 (Be respectful/No Personal Attacks). We’re here for discussion and debate, but we are not here for blatantly rude comments that some may consider offensive or harmful.
Alright - your Reddit checks out :) but how does someone with bear spray on a trail in Hamilton maintain that its protection from BEARS. You could charge them with carrying concealed but I’m guessing the direction from the station is not to arrest?
No, it’s not direction from the station. Bear spray is not a weapon until you use it as a weapon. If it’s not used as a weapon, I probably have no reason to interact with this person or search them. Someone could walk up to me on the street and tell me they have bear spray in their pocket and still, not under arrest.
Last time I checked there were no bears in Hamilton so one doesn't have grounds to be carrying it while hiking around in the city.
Coyote spray might be more appropriate then because Coyotes are often found in urban areas, Coyotes spray can be purchased without registration from Walmart. I've seen multiple people walking near Jackson Square with it visible on thoer keychain, outside of thoer pocket
As we have coyotes and peoples out of control, often banned dogs there is a pretty broad legal excuse for carrying it. All you have to do is keep your mouth shut about your main intent and you're good to go. From my talks with police they tend to be supportive of girls carrying it for use against guys.
Just buy some bear spray and put a label on it that says "coyote spray" #laywershatethisonetrick
For hikers doing the Bruce Trail from tobermory to Niagara, Bear Spray is common. And you don't just throw it away around Barrie- it's not free and you'd pack it out with you when you got to Niagara so those through hikers would likely have bear spray on them.
You don’t need “grounds” to carry bear spray, or anything at all. Police need “grounds” to arrest you for a criminal offence.
What section of the criminal code says you can only have bear spray if there’s bears around? What a ridiculous concept.
Didn't 10 years ago one got to Burlington? That's fairly close.
Yup, there's one in every crowd. Telling women what they can and can't do to protect themselves when walking alone. V
You should write to your MP about how the government and courts have essentially criminalized self defense. I understand the laws, I do not agree with them.
You may have noticed that I mentioned pushback on an earlier comment. Well, it depends what you call a weapon. Many cultures were not permitted to arm themselves, so they got creative. A good walking stick can be a long shillalagh or a quarter stick or you name it. No bear spray? Use hairspray (at close range). Height challenged? Scream your head off. No guarantee. But it sure as hell helps.
Enh. You can perhaps go a route of "I carry dog spray in case a dog/coyote came at me while hiking alone" and it was used when you felt you were in danger; this kind of outlines that thought process.
Likewise, carrying a personal alarm and a stainless steel water bottle will work in a pinch, likewise those keychain things that can be used in your fist can also be handy.
I'm not a lawyer so don't take this as advice but you can't be too careful these days.
For a while there was a guy riding a bike on the rail trail who was groping women. So it’s not never. But I think it’s rare or you just don’t hear about it as much.
You could try the RBG on the hamilton/burlington boarder. I feel like its more populated. And it’s a nature preserve so there isn’t any homeless tents. The trails are free but they normally charge for parking. However there are some free lots scattered about.
I second the RBG Arboretum. Great trails and there are zero tents. Sure, a rando predator could be lurking but personally I think the trails are too heavily trafficked with school groups, day camp, dog walkers, birders etc. for them to lurk there.
Also a small lady who hikes alone!
Unfortunately I've noticed the same thing and it's changed how I hike. I used to hike before dawn and after sunset, but now I make sure to be out of the forests by the time it's dark. I used to have headphones in, but now I prefer to be able to hear whatever is going on around me.
I also suggest a small pocket knife or dog spray to carry on you for a little extra peace of mind.
If you're looking to hike outside of Hamilton, Balls Falls and Niagara Glen are both beautiful trails that I've always felt very safe on, even alone at night.
I would suggest it is not safe to carry a knife for protection if you don't know how to use it. (So, if you haven't practiced knife-fighting and martial arts.)
If you have a weapon on you, it might taken from you and used against you when you go to defend yourself. This is also a risk with something like bear spray, but at least you can can use it effectively without a lot of practice.
This is a good point! I feel pretty confident with a knife, so I didn't think about that perspective at all, thank you
I am not a small lady and I'm a little apprehensive about certain trails at certain times. Maybe you can find a hiking companion for safety.
I had to stop hiking the Bruce trail behind my house in Stinson during Covid cause I was running into too many unhoused people’s living rooms. I felt like I was invading their space. My solution? I moved an hour away. Still work here though.
so glad you brought this up because it is certainly part of the unpleasantness - feeling like i’m intruding, that i enjoy the outdoors while they have no choice 😢
Desperation makes people do crazy things . Hiking is a fantastic hobby but if you’re going to do it solo I’d keep something on your person you can protect yourself with or deter an attack .
I think you could encounter weird people on trails before all this homeless stuff. Just be aware of what's around you and don't take stupid risks. Remember jogging up the rail trail years ago, and some guy had his weiner hanging out of his pants.
Bear spray
Illegal unless there are bears around, FYI.
At this point who cares? If someone got charged with possessing bear spray as a means for defence with all these illegal encampments (perhaps the ones in the woods are technically legal now, but still) people will start rioting lol.
I'm not saying what someone ought to do, I'm just saying someone should know whether what they're doing or recommending comes with legal risks or not.
Saying "don't worry if you get charged, we'll all surely riot" sounds like wishful thinking.
Agree with this. Pack pepper spray
Amen. Smart. Don’t be naive. We like to not make judgements but it can happen.
Homeless or not, in Hamilton walking alone be cautious . Many rapes and sexual assault reports I’ve seen sky rocket the last year. Carry something for self defence. Also a whistle is smart. Always go out with a charged phone- and let a friend know where you’re going walking. Don’t ever think someone couldn’t pull you in. Takes a second to assault someone, but changes your life forever
Pepper spray is illegal in Canada. Bear or dog spray is legal, though.
Bear spray is illegal to carry outside of settings where it is reasonable to use (e.g. in a city 300km away from the nearest bear).
With dog spray you can at least plead a case, but you literally can't buy bear spray without signing a declaration that you know the laws around it
Pepper spray is illegal in Canada though and from what I've read in the past there's pretty severe implications if you're caught with it
She can carry coyote spray, I do
Just don't ever admit you carry it to use as self defense against people and you should be fine
That's the least of my concerns. If I do happen to get attacked and I use it, who in their right mind would arrest me?? And IF I did, the court of public opinion would certainly help. As women we need protection out there and I will have no problem using it.
Oh wow, I didn't know that. I'd still do it if I was a small women and didn't feel safe at night or whatever.
Rather be fined than the alternative
It can be a fine or up to five years in jail for carrying pepper spray, I'd say it isn't worth it but I'm sure there might be some legal alternatives instead. imo I think the law is ridiculous and we should be allowed to carry some type of protection
Carrying anything for the purpose of being a weapon to be used against people is illegal in Canada. Be it a knife, dough roller or bear / pepper spray.
yeah... that's why if a cop asks you about it you don't say it's for use on a person? pretty much common sense lmao.
My husband carries dog spray, for his job as a mail carrier. Is this any different?
No one here can realistically tell you what the risks are. If these are frequented trails and there are lots of hikers, then your risk of anything happening would probably be lower. But it takes one individual doing something one time…. Personally I would find different trails or make a contingency plan such as talking to someone on the phone while on the trail or taking self-defence.
This one time I saw a women get approached by someone who seemed very tweaked out and her response was to scream PEANUT BRITTLE in different tones while jerking her body excessively and the dude instantly turned and walked away so I’ve always kept that in mind when I get uneasy
I would advise do not go alone as people are less likely to do something crazy if there is another person there.
I have also seen the tents and while I sympathize with them, it also makes me feel a little uneasy. It sucks :(
small lady here
honestly, dont go at night or super early when no ones on the trail. it goes without saying that you should be aware of your settings and always try to be alert because ✨women✨have to be cautious. i also would recommend on not doing the same walk/hike at the same time everyday, i'd rotate routes and make sure you keep it as 'random' possible. (this is just the usual safety precaution)
but i'd bring a whistle because thats probably the one thing will alert people. make sure you have your location on for your s/o or family member/close friend so they know where you are if you're super concerned! i tend to avoid groups of people, especially men. or that's when i bring out my phone and make sure its easy accessible to record/call.
stay safe girlie!
As a 6’1 200 lb male I feel uneasy and then when I see them.
They won’t do anything if you leave them alone and just be aware of your surroundings
Absolutely carry dog spray. Get the Sabre brand from Canadian Tire. Keep in mind, if you ever have to use it....you MUST say you carry it for dogs. Do not get tricked into saying anything else. It's %100 legal.
I had a sketchy encounter with someone on the mid-escarpment trail, about a month back - post Glow Riders event. I don't normally make it a practice of using the trail after dark, but i had somewhere to be after the event, and it is a direct route.
Someone stopped on the path on a bicycle, largely blocking it, and beamed me with a flashlight as i approached (at a good clip). Individual was wearing a fluorescent vest. I wasn't slowing down/stopping - and was perfectly ready to go through him if necessary... around 11:00 pm.
I had the mass and velocity of an eTrike, on my side. I also had a pocket knife and a good sized cane on me for some defensive thumping, if necessary. I'm well practiced with both. I'd rather be judged by 12, instead of carried by 6, yadda yadda yadda.
My first and only encounter, thus far. If i don't know your intentions, i ain't taking any chances. Be aware, be cautious, be prepared. That's all you can do.
Sorry to hear that happened after a Glowride and killed the vibe. It's such a positive event, I'll leave with my heart full and with a childlike feeling of happiness that lasts for days.
No biggie - it didn't kill the vibe. This was after i'd waited at the public washrooms with an overfilled bladder, waiting for a homeless encampment guy to get out with his 6 water containers and dog that was inside, that were blocking access to it with two bored and disengaged security guards standing around outside doing nothing.. Minor annoyance/inconvenience/potential threat, in both cases - but mama raised no fool, when it comes to someone beaming another with a flashlight and blocking right of way - i was simply prepared to deal with it, with potential counteraction.
A walker/runner, might not have that option/safety advantage. Just an advisement that sketchy does exist, on the mid-escarpment trail.
I'm always up to being a middle aged kid, at the Glowride...
Sounds like you got the full Hamilton experience that night. You're right; I also feel safer on my bike than on foot. Always have to keep your wits about you, though. Hoping for no thunderstorms next month and the chance to glow again.
In most cases yes, but to keep doing what you want to do, get yourself some protection like coyote spray. IMO you will never need it for people, but having it will make you feel more secure and allow you to go back to what you love.
thank you for the suggestion and for real those coyotes are a bit of a concern as well… i’ve met a few and they did not bother me but damn they are huge
The Coyotes around here are not huge. They are actually pretty small compared to those outside of the city. They are still a problem and have started being more bold as food becomes scarcer. Especially if people are now starting to camp out near the trails. We are just pushing them to be bolder as they look for food. I actually seen one this morning casually walking along Lawrence Ave.
I would also be wary of those living in the woods. Some maybe just normal people who have been dealt a real crappy hand, but there are a bunch who are drug addicts and will do bad things to get their next fix. So I would carry something like bear spray, or some other form of protection, or use the more popular trails that others will also be on.
they were about the size of a german shepherd, i’ve been attacked by dogs in the past so they seemed big enough
Yep. I've hiked half of the Bruce Trail. I've never had a reason to use it, but carry spray and a pocket knife. Let's you keep steppin with confidence.
Keep at it!
I would not hike alone in those areas, bear spray or not or I would find some area that they don't frequent, which probably involves driving to the location. Your gut is telling you what to do.
Bear spray is more of an area wide irritant, not great for a human attacker.
Coyote spray/dog mace would be more suitable, even though illegal for use on humans.
Consider getting a Halton Conservation pass. I always hike alone and have never felt unsafe. It's a bit of a drive to get to them, but they are great trails.
I used to live in Oshawa and there was a camp set up on the walking trail next to city Hall. Heard some bad stories about people walking their kids or running getting hassled..
They're people and don't deserve the hand they've been dealt but there are desperate people in the mix, there are people there with drug problems and behaviour problems and mental illness... There are people down there with nothing to lose..
I'd tell my kids to run somewhere else.
Personally, I would not hike alone. There's been a lot of substance abuse and violence within homeless encampments. It's not worth taking the chance.
I also do hiking alone, and during the summer heat waves, I usually go during twilight hours. Mostly cuz I love seeing the bugs that light up (I forget what they're called lol) and for the bats! I love noticing how many swoop above and eat those pesky bugs.
I walk without listening to music. I need to be able to hear people walking up from behind.
I am already in a state of hypervigilance due to life circumstances, so keeping my head on a swivel and staying alert is natural to me att.
I ALWAYS carry a fanny pack and have my dog spray easy and quick to access. Learn how to use your spray, and understand how the stream of the spray spreads to protect yourself in case of use. Carry a (empty) bottle of water just in case it gets into your eyes... you can usually find a water station at most trail intersections.
Always remember, even if you happen to get into some kind of altercation, scream for help and just run away as fast as you can, when you can. This will always be your safest bet.
If you can, walk near other people or groups. You can always ask to join someone for a bit, I've never had anyone deny grouping up to help keep each other safe when we are going the same way and past the same tents....
I'm also a small lady who often goes alone or with my small kids.
When I moved from Dundas to Hamilton 8 years ago, I tried hiking the rail trail a few times and abruptly stopped because it just wasn't pleasant at all. And this was before the unhoused situation got so out of hand. I redirected myself to the trails around/behind rosedale arena and around albion falls, and I found those to be a bit more pleasant a few years ago. But honestly, now I just buy a membership to RBG and drive out to the aldershot area to access their various trails. I never have any run-ins there and always feel safe!!
Just normal people?
Don’t give up what you enjoy don’t let fear be your captor.
You can get dog spray from Canadian Tire for $16. Im a small woman and have wanted to walk some trails but its scary going alone. Ive had too many encounters with aggressive men
Not never. People have been attacked, harassed, and groped on the trails. I would suggest not wearing headphone and be aware of your surroundings. It’s really sad that people can’t enjoy the trails :( not necessarily because of the unhoused but just because of shitty people in general
As a woman, you always have to be aware of your surroundings and unfortunately it's never a guarantee when you're in the woods by yourself. In my own experiences, I don't feel that you necessarily have to worry about homeless people, as it's often "regular" people that target women and are intentional in their actions. I would say to only hike on trails that are more populated and not in isolated areas. It's a sad fact that women do have to be extra vigilant. Stay safe but enjoy your hikes!
I have been reporting tents on the Escarpment Rail Trail since April. It has cleaned up a lot, but they are still there both east and west of Wentworth. I am less afraid of the encampments than random guys. I've been hassled a few times and teamed up with other women while walking.
Walking stick. Et cetera. I'm waiting for the loutish comments.
Thank you. I'm a grown ass man. Was jogging this trail not long ago and stopped to stretch at one point. Middle of the day. Creepy guy walks up to me, stands literally a foot away and stares into my soul. I stared back until he walked away.
Please do not go hiking alone. Hamilton is not safe anymore.
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8d
Instead of a new hobby, pick up a new blick blick
It is sad but Hamilton is full of trails Google them if you live in the east mountain the rail trail goes to caledonia nice walk start at mohawk 4 ice pad
Bear spray is as incredible solution, your running on wooded trails the possibility of rabid racoons/coyotes is real.they make small versions.Simply,Spray,run,run to buy a new can.
Axe body spray. Normal thing to have with personal items. Still a harsh chemical to go in someone's eyes and mouth. And you can smell them coming if they ever come back.
Just to echo others and clarify from experience.
Bear spray doesn't work like bug spray.
Pepper spray!
Pepper spray sucks. The chances of spraying yourself are really high. Choose a better, more reliable option like a bundle of keys in the knuckle, pocket knife, or pocket taser
Carry bear spary, don’t wear headphones or earbuds, if you must use the transparency mode on them so you can be alert to your surroundings.
A small can of hairspray will temporarily blind your attacker while you run away. Perfectly legal.
Has it historically been homeless people who assault people on trails/in general? If not I don't think you should be any more afraid because they exist. I'm not downplaying going out alone and being scared, it's a serious concern.
I agree with you on this. When I hear reports of assaults on trails it’s never a homeless person, just some creep in the general population.
I hear you and feel the same way. I bring my dog, which helps me feel less fuck-with-able. Is it unlikely that anything would happen? Yes. Should you protect yourself and be prepared? Certainly. I agree with having bear spray within reach. Note: not tucked into a deep pocket.
I go hiking every December when I get back there, and I know what you mean. As long as it is light out and you have no incidents with them, you should keep hiking.
Hey there are so many hiking groups on meetup.com and Facebook. Join them for a group hike and make new friends
I love hiking, but I have my dogs with me. Which gives me comfort. Keep your eyes and ears open. You can get pocket alarms that are super loud and could scare someone off. Also make sure someone knows where you are going and when. Lastly, set up your phone for emergency sos
You have next to nothing to fear
I hike alone but I'm never really alone cuz I have my dogs. Maybe you have a friend whose dog wants a walk and you can bring them?
A female acquaintance was harassed and intimidated while walking by s city park with an encampment recently. It was a very unsettling experience. People on drugs are very unpredictable.
No nothing really to worry about during the daytime, and as others have suggest some protection or safety is always good when alone in the woods. Spray or a whistle. You’ll be fine. You could also choose trails further from the city center, which have less encampments
they are far from the city centre, so sad that the problem has gotten this huge… also oddly the attacks i have heard of happened in broad daylight?
People let their imaginations get away from them. Yes crime has risen in the last year, but this city is still remarkably safe, even for Canadian standards. You can check online databases of reported assaults
Hike with a thermos of boiling water. That will stop most people in their tracks if something should happen. At least enough to get away. I’m sure there’s no laws against boiling water
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8d
Unfortunate situation all around but carrying spray is always a good option. If it’s more common in certain areas maybe pull out an earphone to improve your situational awareness, etc. Hell, I do that at certain intersections just crossing the road, lol.
Wife and I have never had an issue but if you want hiking partners let us know, we are a bit weird as we mostly hike looking for mushrooms and bugs, but we enjoy the air all the same,
What about hair spray? That’s legal, and if you have ever sprayed yourself in the eye, you know it’s effective!
It’s very unlikely that anything would happen right
Correct- the likeliness is not that high. Personally, I wouldn't pick a new hobby, I'd just be cautious and aware. Hiking/walking anywhere comes with a risk. Being a woman comes with a risk. If anything, go with a buddy or join a hiking group like others have suggested. That will help you see if you feel comfortable going alone. Realistically, the number of walkers/hikers who have been hurt by people who are homeless in Hamilton, won't come close to the number of people who walk/hike in Hamilton.
I've always picked hitchhikers up and have never had an issue. People have absolutely gasped at that, but I would always say, they have a bigger risk of being harmed than I do (how many hitchhikers are harmed vs people who pick up hitchhikers). I think that same statement applies to people who are homeless as well.
I'm also going point out that if the people you come across that have chosen to be more secluded on a trail, are likely there to avoid any drama that comes along with being in a larger encampment. They are choosing to keep to themselves. I'd say you have even less to worry about with them, than tents in the downtown area.
This is just my opinion though and I see many people here have different opinions which are totally valid if it makes them feel comfortable. I think quitting your hobby would be excessive. Sure it would keep you safe, but there are probably far more things we do daily that come with more risk.
Chances are you completely safe from people who are unhoused. Unhoused people are far more likely to be victims of violent crime than the ones perpetrating it.
The only recent articles I've found that involve an unhoused person and violence is when someone attacks them.
A man was recently stabbed when he tried to assist an unhoused person who was being harassed.
and
Police are looking for a different man who set a tent on fire.
Having said that, it's always good to take precautions. Have your phone with you, and let someone you trust know when you're going to be out and when you expect to be back.
Honestly, most of the time they’re pretty docile to outsiders. Back when they were all tenting at Copps, I would say hi, and occasionally come sit around with them. I’m not into drugs, but I don’t mind being around them as long as the users aren’t causing any trouble. And quite frequently, once you get to know them, they will take you as one of their own and protect you from any problematic people.
Just hike in Burlington lol
Just a warning about bear/dog spray. Carrying bear spray in an area that has no bears like say Hamilton, it is considered a weapon and is illegal to use against humans. Dog spray is also illegal to use on a human.
From experience I know this lol. No I did not use it, but I had a can of dog spray in my hand when police showed up after I call them about someone threatening my life face to face.
The police officer saw the dog spray in my hand and said "That's for use on dogs only, you know that right?"
The police officer gave me a quick rundown of how it instantly is considered a restricted weapon once you use it on a human. She also explained that you can't even carry Bear spray in Hamilton due to the lack of bears...lol
I have worked in homelessness and have never experience violence. Saying that you should be careful, but if they are on a hiking trail it is because they do not want to be near encampments and all the stuff that goes with them. As you said - normal people who have been dealt a lousy hand.
no don’t hike alone anymore this aint the USA but too close to be certain when women are murdered down there jogging and hiking. sure chances are few but why offer them chances
I'm available if you need a bodyguard.
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There is a Happy Hikers Hamilton group on Facebook that organizes group hikes.