An encampment can be the establishment of a place providing temporary accommodation for living, sleeping or eating that may include the use of a motor home, shelter, tent, trailer or vehicle. 

The Municipality of Brockton recognizes that everyone deserves a home. However, it is important to note that, as a lower tier municipality the Municipality of Brockton is not directly involved in housing and homelessness services, and it is difficult for the municipality to provide meaningful support without the authority, skills and resources. The Municipality of Brockton focuses on encampments and the safety of the individuals residing in encampments and ensuring public spaces are accessible and safe for all.

The County of Bruce offers a fully array of programs and services related to housing and homelessness. All questions concerning housing services should be directed to the County of Bruce Housing Services department. 

Municipal By-Law 2022-081 regulates encampments and camping within the Municipality of Brockton. If you have any questions on Municipal By-Law 2022-081 please contact the By-Law Enforcement Officer.

By-Law No. 2022-081

To report an encampment within the municipality please complete and submit a complaint form to the By-Law Enforcement Officer. The complaint form is required to include your name, address, contact information, a description of the encampment, and the location of the encampment. The information contained on the complaint form assists the municipality in coordinating the response to addressing encampments. Do not attempt to engage with encampment occupants, or try to resolve the encampment yourself. The municipality engages professionals who are trained to deal with encampments to ensure the personal wellbeing and safety of everyone involved. Municipal staff respond to By-Law related matters as outlined in the Municipal By-Law Enforcement Complaint Policy adopted by By-Law 2021-130. 

Call 9-1-1 immediately, if you encounter an immediate risk to some’s life or property, to stop or report a crime in progress or to report a fire

For non-emergencies call 1-888-310-1122 or 1-888-310-1133 (TTY)

An encampment can still be reported to the By-Law Enforcement Officer even if the encampment location is on private property. Property owners who encounter an encampment on their property can contact the By-Law Enforcement Officer for assistance.

When an encampment is reported to the Municipality, staff contact a member of the YMCA Rural Housing & Homelessness Outreach team, so outreach staff can attempt to connect with, and offer services to the individuals at the reported site. All outreach efforts are done by the YMCA. Individuals residing at the encampment will be encouraged to accept indoor shelter offered to them and vacate the encampment voluntarily. Encampments will be scheduled to be cleaned only after all residents have vacated the encampment.

The Municipality of Brockton's Sign By-Law 2012-24 prohibits and regulates the erection of signs and other advertising devices and awnings, marquees within the Municipality. If you are planning to erect a sign, please contact By-Law Department to obtain the necessary approvals and permits.

The following signs require Sign Permits: 

• Awning 
• Banner Sign
• Fascia Sign
• Marquee
• Painted Sign
• Portable Sign
• Projecting Sign
• Pylon/Pillar Sign
• Roof Sign
• Sandwich Sign, on Municipal Property

The following signs require comments and approval from the Building Department prior to the Permit being issued (a Building Permit may also be required):

• Awning Sign 
• Banner Sign
• Marquee Sign
• Projecting Sign
• Pylon/Pillar Sign
• Roof Sign

The Fence By-Law 86-18 prescribes the heights and description of and the manner of erecting and maintaining fences within the limits of the town of Walkerton. A permit is not required to erect a fence however, residents shall comply with the prescribed regulations as set out in the by-law. Please contact the By-Law department for any inquiries or complaints regarding fences in the Town of Walkerton. 

The Municipality of Brockton's Swimming Pool Enclosure By-Law 2008-31 requires owners of privately owned outdoor swimming pools to erect and maintain swimming pool enclosures. A swimming pool enclosure is required when an excavation, structure or product which is:

• located outdoors on private property;
• capable of being used for the purposes of swimming, wading, paddling or bathing;
• capable of holding water is excess of 73.6 cm (2 feet 5 inches) in depth at any point.

Please contact the By-Law Department prior to installation to ensure that all necessary approvals and permits are obtained. 

• By-Law Complaint Form
• Dog Tag Form
• Kennel Application 
• Sign Permit Application 
• Swimming Pool Enclosure