socastcmsRssStart88.7 myFM News staffsocastcmsRssEnd
The Town of Greater Napanee is reviewing its policies on homelessness and encampments and may soon ask the public for feedback.
In 2024, the town held community talks that helped create the Parks & Public Spaces By-law and Encampment Response Protocol. Town staff will present a report to Council this evening (July 8, 2025), proposing a community survey to gather opinions on how well these rules are working.
If approved, the survey will be open until mid-August. It asks residents about the protocol’s effectiveness, clarity, respect for both unhoused individuals’ rights and property owners, and their experiences with town staff. Participants can also suggest changes to areas where encampments are banned.
The town notes there are still no shelters in Lennox and Addington County, making this review important. Costs for encampment responses reached $29,440 in early 2025.
Council will review the survey results and staff recommendations at its August 26 meeting.
Written by Emily Chatwood
