A parkette in Port Elgin, once a popular spot for ice cream and relaxation under the trees, is now fenced off and free of a homeless encampment.
Starting around July 1, as many as a dozen tents appeared in Police Parkette. There have been other encampments in the area, but none on the main street or with such visible chaos, according to Jon Fee, whose office is adjacent to the parkette.
Fee, CEO of the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce, shared that he observed what began as a peaceful protest by one woman advocating for homeless rights evolve into a chaotic scene with open drug use.
On September 18, Saugeen Shores announced that the park would be closed while they “undertake necessary repairs, maintenance, and improvements at the parkette. At this time, the length of the Police Parkette closure is unknown as the town considers further improvements to the parkette through the 2027 business plan process.”
The announcement didn’t address the homeless encampments which Fee said were concerning to local business owners and tourists throughout the summer. After watching things get worse, he reached out to both the mayor and county officials.
“I just felt they weren’t doing anything about it,” he explained. While people regularly brought food and water and paramedics often visited, “It was a go-to place, a stop-off place to do drugs. That’s what it ended up being.”
He mentioned that initially there was one woman’s protest featuring signs like “’More tents coming.’ And they were putting up empty tents in some cases,” he added. He believes that choosing such a prominent location for empty tents was itself a statement.
“It literally was becoming party central because then it seemed like it was OK for everybody under the sun to come in and start doing drugs and whatnot and I saw it first-hand.” He shared an image showing a man hunched over on a bench in the parkette.
Fee operates both the chamber office and Service Ontario office from his building. Tourists visiting frequently commented on how disordered things had become in the parkette, he said.
“It was devastating hearing every other person walk into Service Ontario complaining about the smell and foulness – all that stuff going on at that encampment,” Fee stated.
He noted seeing fewer local business members stopping by his office due to concerns over conditions in the parkette. The situation worsened amid uncertainty about how best to proceed given homeless people’s rights.
In May, Ontario’s Superior Court confirmed a decision stating municipalities cannot clear homeless encampments without providing adequate alternative housing for those affected.
“Solutions to homelessness will require increased resources from all levels of government and other stakeholders, time to implement required strategies, and clear recognition of constitutional rights involved,” read part of that decision.
Fee emphasized “we all understand that. We all empathize; however it seemed like many wanted to help but felt powerless.”
He added “People are more concerned about doing wrong than trying to do right.”
Local businesses surrounding the park saw declines in customers because of issues related to encampments. Visitors who came into his office expressed confusion asking questions like “How did this happen? How could Port Elgin have an encampment downtown?”
Toward late August, Saugeen Shores Police Chief Kevin Zettel released comments regarding homelessness.
“We recognize growing concern surrounding homelessness along with visible encampments within our community,” he said. He pointed out that homelessness is complex issue managed by provincial authorities via county resources.
While enforcement might sometimes be necessary for immediate risks or safety concerns, their priority remains working alongside municipal partners at various levels towards compassionate solutions respecting everyone’s dignity.
Fee mentioned that workers fenced off part of parkette last Friday before returning Monday for raking efforts- noting little grass remains; flowers are gone while much ground sits bare dirt now.
He understands authorities have spent four-to-six weeks looking for housing options suitable for individuals living there previously.
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By lunchtime Monday , Fee started hearing relief from people now free from those conditions present earlier. He shares similar sentiments : ” I mean , just having evidence removed creates huge change.”
” I’ll tell you there’s this massive feeling relief walking into my office seeing cleared area before me. Even if its nothing but dirt ,” said Fee. ” It’s major relief knowing actions taken. “ p>
A spokesperson representing Saugeen Shores clarified town didn’t forcibly remove occupants rather chose closure after lone resident left site behind More than dozen people received support finding safer housing elsewhere.”
Earlier occupants either accepted assistance provided through Bruce County or moved away prior closing announcement took effect. Bruce County service partners worked consistently reaching out community during stay there.
“The Outreach team collaborated closely connecting individuals with immediate short-term resources including emergency shelters healthcare food programs outreach services housing legal aid income assistance etc.”
Saugeen Shores offered storage options available belongings former residents when needed.”
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