A new “No Camping” sign was installed in the narrow strip of parkland between Mackenzie and Christina Streets recently, shortly after a police officer responded to a call at that location.
A new “No Camping” sign was installed in the narrow strip of parkland between Mackenzie and Christina Streets recently, shortly after a police officer responded to a call at that location.
A Sarnia Police officer approached two individuals who were sitting against a fence in the park, stating she was responding to a complaint regarding alleged drug use. Soon after the interaction, the new sign was erected.
Citing City of Sarnia Bylaw #206 of 1999, the sign prohibits camping and closes the park to the public between midnight and 5 a.m.
The installation comes as the city takes a broader approach to managing its unhoused population in public spaces. Sarnia's 2025 budget included an allocation of approximately $500,000 for fencing at Rainbow Park and to track homeless encampments.
The focus on bylaw enforcement in Sarnia stands in contrast to approaches in nearby municipalities. In Chatham-Kent, a new $3.8 million transitional cabin site for the homeless is already at full capacity with a waiting list.
The timing of the new sign's appearance in the small park highlights the city's increasing use of bylaw enforcement in addressing the presence of vulnerable residents in public spaces.
