The City of Sarnia is reminding residents that it's illegal to set up camp at any city park, under the Public Parks Bylaw.
While the rules have been in place since 1999, staff will be erecting "no camping" signs over the next several weeks.
The direction came out of an August city council meeting, and encompasses over 95 of Sarnia's parks.
Communications Manager Steve Henschel said the signs will be placed in highly visible areas as parks staff conduct routine maintenance.
"Like any bylaw infraction, you can call that into our bylaw enforcement team and we will respond to enforce local bylaws," said Henschel. "That's kind of the process there. The signs simply just state there's no camping to make people aware of it."
Henschel said while Rainbow Park does fall under the bylaw, it's difficult for the city to enforce it at this time.
"The challenge there is really based on recent court cases and some challenges based on the charter of rights and freedoms that would prevent us from removing an entrenched encampment such as that at Rainbow Park," he said. "There's still that barrier there. That's why you'll see that we've been trying to mitigate some of the health and safety concerns of residents in that area, and move forward with reclaiming the recreational space at that park."
Those with bylaw-related questions can email clerks@sarnia.ca or call 519-332-0330 extension 3320.
The city said bylaws are enforced by the Sarnia Police Service outside of regular business hours.
Residents are asked to call 519-332-0330 (or 226-472-1150 direct) for after-hours service.