A controversial encampment for the homeless at Rainbow Park will have security guards, washrooms and temporary lighting starting today.
At city council’s direction, city staff announced Friday that several measures will be taken at the south end park “with a focus on protecting health and safety.”
A children’s playground will be fenced off from the camping area to maintain the playground for recreational use, according to a press release.
Several neighbours have raised concerns about their children being unable to use the park since the encampment was established several months ago.
There have been fears related to drug use and violence in the park, which is sandwiched between a rail yard and a residential neighbourhood.
A lack of washrooms for the 50 or so inhabitants has also been a concern and will be addressed by the city, said Steve Henschel, city hall’s communications manager.
Mobile washroom facilities, much like those used for music festivals, will be trucked in to the park’s south end twice a day for two hours at a time, he said.
In addition, two teams of security guards will patrol the perimeter of the park and playground area from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Among the teams’ responsibilities will be to ensure the vehicles that enter the park are there to provide services such as medical care or fire response to the encampment residents, Henschel said.
Temporary lighting will be installed at all four corners of the park and at the playground to improve security.
City CAO Chris Carter was given authority by council on June 14 to implement temporary public health and safety measures in Rainbow Park.
New garbage pails and a dumpster have already been delivered.
Sarnia bylaw enforcement officers and Sarnia Police continue regular patrols in the park, the press release noted.
Anyone with concerns related to site conditions and safety can contact Sarnia bylaw enforcement by emailing [email protected] or calling 519-332-0527 ext. 3301. Online complaint forms are also available.
Criminal activity, immediate threats to health, fire or medical emergencies should be directed to 911, the press release said.
Henschel said there is no cost estimate as yet for the temporary measures at the park. However, those figures will be available to council within the next 30 days.