As of February 20, the Rainbow Park encampment has been vacated, with the last individuals transitioned to alternate shelter or housing. The fencing and security in the park will remain for the time being, however, to ensure the park remains clear of encampments.
According to City spokesperson Steve Henschel, the City will monitor the site and adjust their response accordingly.
The City will continue to enforce its Encampment Response Protocol which was updated in September of 2024. It prohibits encampments on municipally-owned lands that are adjacent to sensitive uses such as children/youth facilities, athletic amenities, and private residences, and specifically prohibits encampments in the City’s larger parks such as Centennial, Canatara, and Germain Parks. It does not identify any City-owned lands where an encampment would be permitted.
In areas where new encampments are found in prohibited spaces, Sarnia By-Law Enforcement will provide a 48-hour notice of trespass, ordering individuals to vacate within that timeframe, and work with police if necessary to ensure individuals comply.
As for next steps, Henschel tells us, the City is looking to their partners at Lambton County, which is responsible for the delivery of social services such as housing and other supports, for their expertise and resources in addressing the impacts of homelessness on our community.
Henschel was unable to provide specific numbers in terms of what the ongoing costs to maintain security measures at Rainbow Park will be. However, City staff provide a monthly overview of expenses relating to the prior month’s health and safety measures for the park. Last month’s report can be found here.
Security services cost the city roughly $37,920.10, while large-scale site clean up, which includes the fencing, totalled $18,328.56 in the month of January.