Sarnia council has endorsed the development of an action plan for temporary transitional tiny homes.
Councillor Anne Marie Gillis recommended on Monday that the city work collaboratively -- with the local industry, trades, businesses, the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce, services groups, churches and other concerned community members -- to create a number of 80 square foot dwellings.
"What we are seeing right now is we are at a political impasse," said Gillis. "We are on our own and the city must act. Citizens living in tents in our city park is not desirable. The anger and frustration as a result of perceived inaction is causing our community to react in ways that we have never experienced. We need another way forward."
No building permit would be required for the structures that would have necessary utilities, be located in a fenced enclosure with washroom facilities, a community space, and access to community services.
"We are Sarnia. We know how to build, we are innovators, we are problem solvers, our fellow citizens living in Rainbow Park have hit rock bottom. We are a caring community, who believe in people serving people... the time for talking is over, now is a time for action," she said.
Gillis said with winter coming, those individuals need to have a roof over their heads and a door that locks.
The homes would be located within city limits, on serviced public, leased or donated private land.
Gillis said the homes would eliminate the use of tents for living space and restore dignity to citizens who are in need.
It was suggested use of the homes be offered for a minimal fee and the County of Lambton be included in the discussions.
Councillor Bill Dennis and Terry Burrell voted against the plan.
Meantime, over a dozen encampment protocol additions were endorsed for Rainbow Park.
City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts proposed a number of rules to help address some issues while the city waits for the County of Lambton to report back on its role if a member municipality pursues an injunction to remove encampments in municipal parks.
Chief Administrative Officer Chris Carter told council staff take steps daily to make improvements.
"For example, just before the weekend, we extended the fence line I believe 150 to 200 feet further along the park to gain more park back and to allocate some individuals into specific areas," said Carter.
He said most of the recommendations were already being dealt with.
"If somebody has a dog that's not properly leashed or is not tagged properly, there are notices [issued] and there are tickets being issued," Carter said.
City Solicitor Randi Kalar asked to discuss two of the recommendations with Sarnia's police chief before they were endorsed.
She stated that having "no new people join the encampment" or not allowing "any existing individual that moves out of the encampment [to] return" could constitute an unlawful eviction if adopted.
McRoberts motion was amended to include banning food delivery to the encampment as well.
A separate motion from McRoberts asking that property taxes on all residential homes across from Rainbow Park (not including apartment buildings) be reduced by 50 per cent for one year was referred to staff to look at the legal aspects of doing so.
Former Sarnia-Lambton MPP Caroline Di Cocco presented a petition signed by 2,600 residents opposed to the presence of encampments in the city during the meeting.
She said the signatures, collected in under two weeks, represent widespread concern among homeowners and residents.
"Their message is clear, remove the encampments and eliminate all identified locations for non-prohibited encampments. Encampments are not a solution to homelessness. They're unsafe and foster a lawless environment where drug trafficking, drug use, human trafficking, violence, and health risks become commonplace," Di Cocco said.
Council supported motions from Bill Dennis for Sarnia police to act immediately when becoming aware of illegal drug activity at the park and that no encampments be allowed in the Mike Weir Park area, research or business park.