September 20, 2024 — The City continues to address reports of encampments under the recently amended Encampment Response Protocol.
The protocol, as amended on Sept. 9, does not identify any City-owned lands where an encampment would be permitted. The protocol outlines a process, whereby any encampments reported on municipal property are addressed by Sarnia By-Law Enforcement, while working with the County to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with support services. By-Law Officers inform individuals of the requirement to vacate, and work with police if necessary to ensure individuals comply.
To date all encampments reported under the protocol on public property have been addressed, with individuals voluntarily vacating the premises.
Reporting encampments on City property
To report an encampment on municipal property, please contact City of Sarnia By-law Enforcement at 519-332-0330 ext. 3301 or e-mail bylawenforcement@sarnia.ca.
Encampments on private property
The protocol does not apply to private property. The City has no authority over private property as it relates to the presence of encampments. Encampments on private property must be reported to Sarnia Police by the property owner.
Rainbow Park
Legal challenges remain as it relates to a potential removal of the encampment at Rainbow Park. While the City continues to review options to legally address the encampment, By-Law Enforcement continues to respond to reports as they relate to violations of the protocol’s safety requirements and other municipal by-laws such as open fires, dogs at large, and non-permitted structures and trailers.
For more information on the City’s Encampment Response Protocol, visit www.sarnia.ca/EncampmentProtocol