Napanee struggles to address encampments as frustration grows [Video]

As Napanee, Ont., grapples with how to handle the growing issue of tents in its public parks, some town officials and residents are growing impatient with what they see as the slow pace of a new parks bylaw and encampment protocol.

The town is among many smaller communities across Canada wrestling with what was historically a big city problem, amid a shortage of affordable housing and shelter space.

“What we’re trying to do is find the fairest path forward and create a predictable way to manage the encampment issue,” CAO Matthew Grant said during an interview with CBC Ottawa’s All In A Day.

Following roughly a month of consultation and public forums, however, councillors were presented only with a staff report and survey results during their meeting Tuesday night — not a draft bylaw.

“I’m very disappointed that we don’t have a bylaw,” said Ward 4 representative Bob Norrie. “People are frustrated and we …