Greater Napanee council has received an update on the town’s encampment protocol, with staff warning the community could see more homeless individuals using public spaces this summer.
Town Clerk Jessica Walters told council the current protocol does not need changes at this time. However, she said the closure of overnight services at Morningstar Mission during warmer months is already leading to an increase in people staying in parks and other public areas.
Walters noted the Town of Greater Napanee does not have the funding or legal mandate to manage housing and homelessness supports, which fall under Lennox and Addington County responsibilities.
The report also stated there have been no legal changes requiring updates to the current protocol.
Walters said the town cannot enforce daytime camping bans like those in Kingston and Hamilton because Greater Napanee and Lennox and Addington County do not have alternate summer shelter options available.
