Tents at Rainbow Park, May 16, 2024 (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)Tents at Rainbow Park, May 16, 2024 (Photo by: Lindsay Newman/ Blackburn Media)
Sarnia

Rainbow Park monthly bill amounts to nearly $120K

For the third month in a row, expenses at the Rainbow Park encampment have topped $100,000, as noted in the city's latest spending report.

Sarnia City Council voted in June to implement temporary health and safety measures at the park, such as lighting, sanitation, fencing, and security.

From August 31 to September 30, expenses amounted to $119,767

The most costly invoice received was for security at $49,912, followed by portable washrooms for $35,956, and police related costs for an estimated $17,829.

Other invoices were for large-scale clean up at $11,734, fencing for $3,842, and dumpster costs $491.

The report also broke down how much time municipal and emergency staff spent at the park.

Sarnia Fire Rescue responded to the encampment seven times, Sarnia Police Service officers spent 117 hours on site (including proactive patrol events), by-law officers spent 90 hours at the park, and management (including legal services) spent about 42 hours at the encampment.

The number of Lambton EMS responses will be reported quarterly.

The city's latest expense report noted that costs will fluctuate monthly as measures are adjusted.

From July 27 to August 30, invoices amounted to approximately $103,000.

From late June to July 26, costs totaled over $100,000

Council has gone back and forth on how to find a solution to address the controversial issue of homeless encampments within the city.

During its latest council meeting on October 1, Sarnia council voted against a motion to evict individuals at Rainbow Park if council decides not to move forward with a court injunction.

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