Greater Napanee Town Council’s meeting Tuesday evening addressed a big topic that’s top of mind for many in the community, the sharp increase in encampments around town.
Council heard from the Prince Edward – Lennox & Addington Social Services (PELASS), a deputation from a man who was attacked in Conservation Park, and reports from the Town Clerk and CAO.
Following PELASS’ presentation outlining its housing and homelessness plan, Councillor Bob Norrie asked about the possibility of relocating the tents from our parks to the land behind the social services building on Advance Avenue.
PELASS replied saying they don’t have any ability to move people along. “All we can do is offer supports in whatever way that we can,” said Lynn Chenier.
A new Parks By-law was suggested to regulate park use and include a protocol for handling encampments. This would allow the Town to manage park use better and address encampments more effectively, though it would need to be balanced with respect for people’s rights.
Town Clerk Jessica Walters shared the proposed by-law will do a lot more than just address camping, but also cover general use and behaviours in the parks.
As this by-law is a work in progress, town staff will be seeking public consultation for input before finalization. Councillor Dave Pinnell Jr. asked for clarification on what the public consultation period will look like.
CAO Matthew Grant shared they want to address this in multiple formats. Give an education portion both online and through points of contact in the community, have an in-person meeting, then on a higher level host online consultation for written input. In-person and virtual consultation avenues give community members a space to share their words in a way that’s most comfortable for them.
Grant went on to say this includes reaching out to community partners to understand how best to engage the people that are living encamped to also hear their perspective on what’s being proposed.
Council voted to note and receive the Proposed Parks and Public Spaces By-law and Encampment Response Protocol report, which you can read in full here.
Early in the meeting, a special meeting has been called for September 3rd beginning at 7pm at the Strathcona Paper Centre. This meeting is to let community members who could not speak during last night’s meeting share their encampment concerns.
Written by Emily Chatwood
