Smiths Falls Director of Community Services Stephanie Clark was asked by Police Chief Jodi Empey and Fire Chief Rick Cheseborough to develop a protocol to handle homeless encampments in the town.
Councillor Peter McKenna likes that there’s flexibility available for a case by case basis.
Clark says the intention of the protocol is to be ready if homeless encampments become more prominent in the town.
Clark noted that town staff will not receive additional training in relation to encampments, because they’re told not to get involved directly.
The role staff plays will be to report any sightings to Clark, and she will alert the local organizations that offer support and address vagrancy.
You can read the protocol here.
Story by Grant Deme