Sarnia council has adopted a draft response protocol to address homeless encampments in the city.
Acting solicitor Randi Kalar said the protocol is not specific to Rainbow Park, and addresses homeless encampments as a whole.
"It would deal with encampments popping up in any municipally owned property, no matter where it is in the city. It outlines the process that all of the parties take in terms of addressing encampments and connecting people to resources. So, it outlines the role of not only the City of Sarnia bylaw [department], but also the County of Lambton, EMS, public health and the Sarnia Police Service."
Kalar told council she discussed liabilities with the city's insurance company and other solicitors.
"Other municipalities who are facing the same situation have advised that in their experience, so far, they haven't encountered an issue where they've been liable for any kind of injury or risk of injury. But this [protocol] is really just a first step in addressing all of the encampments."
City/county councillor Brian White thanked everyone involved in compiling the report.
"This is a great start," White said. "I think there's going to be a lot to learn from it, as we continue to learn from other communities who are a little bit further ahead of the curve on this journey than we are. I just want people to know that it is, in fact, a start."
Mayor Mike Bradley said he's expecting announcements on provincial response to encampments, so the protocol may have to be "massaged" as new details unfold.
The draft will be sent to outside legal counsel to ensure its constitutionality.
Councillor Dave Boushy and Terry Burrell opposed the protocol's adoption.
Burrell still felt the protocol was setting the city up for "big liabilities" when the county has stated there are shelter spaces available.
In addition to endorsing the draft protocol, council asked staff to investigate 24-hour security, increased Sarnia police enforcement, and the ability to expand the washroom hours at Rainbow Park.
Council also supported a call for staff to report the costs related to encampments on a monthly basis.