London Mayor of Sarnia calls on senior governments to solve urban encampment crisis An encampment is pictured at Rainbow Park in Sarnia on June 26, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London) Share At Rainbow Park on the south side of downtown Sarnia, security officers walk a beat of a different kind – one with grass below their feet rather than pavement. At one end of the park, a crew is onsite to deliver fencing that will be erected around part of the perimeter, while in the centre of the park, new lighting is being installed.
Mobile washrooms have also been added to this urban greenspace. Meanwhile in the southwest corner of the park, mother and daughter Michele and Tara Fraser go about their daily lives at their encampment. Daily chores include cleaning and laundry, at least as much as what’s possible in this outdoor setting.
“A lot of confusion, a lot of confusion,” the pair said in unison when asked how things are going. “They are, I guess, putting a fence up and they keep telling us to move here, move there, we’re not quite sure what’s going on. A lot of confusion,” lamented Michele, the elder of the two.
Tara and Michele Fraser speak with CTV News at Rainbow Park in Sarnia on June 26, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London) “We’re glad they finally have washrooms though, that’s a plus side,” added Tara. The emergency measures at the park were approved by Sarnia City Council late last week.
Mayor Mike Bradley said they’re trying to prevent someone f.