Sarnia's largest homeless encampment dismantled by police
City council voted last month to clear the tents from Rainbow Park
Sarnia police say they have completely dismantled a homeless encampment at Rainbow Park and efforts are underway to clear debris and discarded items from the site.
The city park is near the St. Clair River.
The police force says officers and city bylaw enforcement teams worked to remove the last few remaining people, who have now been connected with family members or shelters.
Police Chief Derek Davis thanked nearby residents and neighbouring businesses, in a statement, saying they have endured "many months of hardships" because of the encampment, citing open drug use, crime, fires, health and safety issues, trespassing and noise.
"Unfortunately, homelessness and addiction has not yet been solved," he said.
"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."
Police say no one was arrested as they disbanded the encampment.
Sarnia city council voted last month to clear it.
At the time, there were fewer than a dozen tents remaining at Rainbow Park.
