Media Release - Public Education on Parks & Public Spaces By-law and Encampment Response Protocol

November 20, 2024

(GREATER NAPANEE, ON) – The Town of Greater Napanee is beginning public education on an Encampment Response Protocol.

The education period is scheduled to run approximately 60 days and will involve the development of education materials, discussions with community partners, and education of those most impacted by the protocol.

On November 12, 2024, a Parks & Public Spaces By-law and Encampment Response Protocol were adopted by Council. The Parks By-law is designed to ensure the safe and enjoyable use of public spaces, and the Encampment Protocol is designed to aid the Town in predictably managing encampments on public property in a way that adheres to the recent judgements of Ontario’s Superior Court.

As with all new by-laws, the Town is currently in a public education phase to ensure residents are given an opportunity to learn about the by-law. The new protocol is designed to make it easy for both housed and unhoused residents to understand what recreational areas are off limits for camping and living in public spaces. In addition to beginning public education, the Town is developing communication tools for our community partners to share with their staff who interact with our unhoused residents.

The Town’s goal is to achieve compliance with the protocol through education and awareness. Where education does not work, the Town will engage in enforcement. It is anticipated that the start of active enforcement will begin in the new year after our by-law staffing vacancy has been filled.

Mayor Terry Richardson from the Town of Greater Napanee explains the intent of the newly adopted by-law. Richardson states, “With the creation of the new Parks & Public Spaces By-law, the Town of Greater Napanee is striving to manage the issue of unhoused persons in our parks and public spaces while protecting the safety of our most vulnerable citizens, children, and seniors. The Town will remain diligent in ensuring that Greater Napanee is a safe and vibrant community”.

A review of the by-law will be brought to Council in summer 2025 to assess its effectiveness and welcome community feedback.

Questions and comments about the by-law can be directed to the Town’s Clerk at jwalters@greaternapanee.com. Additional information is also available on the Encampment Response Protocol page and By-laws page on the Town’s website.

Media Contact:

Kylie Huffman

Community Engagement & Communications Coordinator

Town of Greater Napanee

T: 613-776-1116

E: khuffman@greaternapanee.com

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