Closely watching: Napanee approves by-law with new rules for encampments

Just one of many areas covered

The Town of Greater Napanee has approved a new bylaw aimed at managing parks, public spaces, and encampments, addressing a rising need for effective public space regulations amidst the homelessness crisis.

During this week's town council meeting, Clerk Jessica Walters presented the bylaw update, highlighting its purpose and future implementation steps. The bylaw integrates feedback from local residents, council members, and town staff, with a focus on balancing public safety and individual rights. It introduces a preliminary map of buffer zones for protected areas, with further updates expected after the bylaw’s formal adoption.

Walters went on to share what their intention would be when council adopts a by-law and those buffers and exclusions are finalized.

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Key details of the bylaw outline differences between public and private spaces, noting that Charter rights for sheltering apply only to public property. The bylaw aims to maintain access to high-use areas like Conservation Park, which is heavily frequented by families. Rules for restricted public properties, such as construction sites, are also detailed to ensure safety.

Concerns were raised about enforcement, particularly the challenges of balancing educational approaches with enforcement actions and budget limitations for additional bylaw officers. The clerk shared the towns intention would be dependent on what the specific section of the bylaw it is. Many provisions, such as not feeding wildlife, keeping pets from disturbing others, and preventing damage to municipal property, can be handled by the town’s contracted officers.

When it comes specifically to the enforcement of the encampment protocol, they would be looking for education-based compliance as is outlined in that protocol to start with.

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Council members expressed support for staff’s extensive work on the bylaw, recognizing it as a starting point, not a complete solution to homelessness. They acknowledged that the municipality’s capacity is limited and urged provincial and federal support to address homelessness at a larger scale.

The new by-law lists the set fines. For example, ' Fail to keep a domestic animal leashed or under control in Municipal Property' is a $150 fine, feeding wildlife on a Municipal Property could cost you $100, 'Camp on Municipal Property without a permit' would get you a $100 fine, and 'Remain on Municipal Property after being ordered to leave' is a $100 fine. You can find a full list of fines in the by-law passed last night, here.