Sarnia Police Service officials allege: As of February 20, 2025, the Sarnia Police Service can confirm that the Rainbow Park encampment in the City of Sarnia has now been completely vacated.
Police, City Bylaw, and security are currently on site to complete cleanup of discarded property and debris.
SPS IMPACT and City Bylaw teams have been working tirelessly with the last few remaining individuals at Rainbow Park. All occupants have been voluntarily connected with family members, obtained placements at shelters, and/or received important social service interventions. No arrests were necessary.
The SPS IMPACT Team was established in 2023 to directly address growing challenges surrounding both homelessness and addiction. Despite their difficult assignment, IMPACT officers have been extremely successful in building trust, developing relationships, and providing policing services to what can be a high risk and high need demographic. On multiple occasions IMPACT has directly facilitated people reuniting with their families, entering rehabilitation centres, accessing shelters, and connecting those in need with critical services and supports.
Here is a statement from Chief Derek Davis:
“On behalf of the Sarnia Police Service, we want to acknowledge the nearby residents and neighboring businesses whom have endured many months of hardships. This includes open drug use, criminal activities, unruly behaviour, fires, health & safety issues, trespassing and noise.
I do want to recognize and thank CAO Chris Carter (and all his senior staff) for their leadership and support as our teams worked together to navigate what became a complex and frustrating issue for everyone.
Unfortunately, homelessness and addiction has not yet been solved. We will still encounter these social issues and their often-correlated impact on crime and disorder in our City. Our officers will continue to address criminal and provincial law infractions when and where they occur, within our legislative authorities and available resources.
As we look to face these new challenges in 2025, interagency collaboration has never been more important, as we work to identify more sustainable solutions to these complex issues.”
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