The Town of Greater Napanee says it expects to see more visible homeless encampments in public areas starting in May.
The Morningstar Mission Warming Centre, which offered overnight shelter during the winter, is closing for the season on April 30. With no emergency shelter available in Lennox and Addington County, the town must allow some encampments on public land.
The Town of Greater Napanee shared with myFM they’re continuing t work with their upper tier governments to try and address the complex housing problem. Mayor Richardson said as a lower tier government, housing is not one of their responsibilities, but that they are trying to make the municipality as attractive as possible to bring in new builders.
When asked if they knew of anything in the works at the County level, Richardson said that question was also brought up at the most recent county council meeting, where the answer at that level was status quo.
To help manage the situation, the town has created an Encampment Protocol. This sets rules about where encampments are not allowed—such as near playgrounds, schools, and sports fields—and includes safety rules like staying within a size limit and following fire bans.
How this protocol will be enforced? Town Clerk Jessica Walters let us know it’s a mix of patrols and public input. Their officers will check public spaces weekly for encampments, focusing on known areas and responding to resident reports. People can submit concerns through the town’s website.
Encampments on private property follow a different process—residents can contact bylaw for help.
Greater Napanee will be checking in later this summer to see how its encampment rules are working. Town staff, partners, and the public will be asked for feedback. Officials want to know if the new plan helps reduce conflict and confusion.
CAO Matthew Grant shared the rules may be updated as needed and that they hope the approach offers stability while long-term housing solutions are explored.
Officials say the goal is to give clear expectations for both residents and people experiencing homelessness.
Residents with questions or concerns can report encampments online using the town’s E11 form.
Written by Emily Chatwood
