Greater Napanee is taking steps to stop public money from going to illegal homeless encampments on private property. With warming shelters now closed for the season, more people are living in camps across town, including one large site on private land.
Town council asked staff in April to look into the issue. In response, staff have reached out to the provincial government, requesting a meeting to ask for changes to housing legislation. The letters are included in the report Town Council reviewed this week.
If approved, the changes would let provincial housing managers stop funding to unsafe or illegal sites. CAO Matthew Grant plans to speak about this at a Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS) meeting in June.
Mayor Terry Richardson says the move only applies to camps on private land. Public spaces like parks aren’t affected.
Council hopes the province will support stronger rules to keep the community safe.
Written by Emily Chatwood
