The Corporation of Hamilton has urged people not to sleep in the city’s public parks overnight.

Chief executive Dwayne Caines said the city had seen a rise in “behaviours that compromise the safety, cleanliness and overall experience of areas like Queen Elizabeth II Park”.

Mr Caines acknowledged factors that contribute to homelessness, including trauma and economic hardship, but said Hamilton “can’t allow public spaces to deteriorate to the point where families, seniors and women feel uncomfortable or unsafe”.

He explained: “While we sympathise with the realities that have led to [homelessness], our public parks are not equipped or intended to serve as long-term shelters.

Mr Caines added: “These parks are meant to be enjoyed by everyone, for quiet reflection, community gathering and a connection to nature in the heart of Hamilton — when that purpose is undermined by ongoing misuse, we have a duty to respond.

“Our increased enforcement is not about being punitive, it’s about striking a necessary balance between empathy and responsibility.”

Mr Caines said Hamilton’s approach involved “maintaining the integrity and usability of public spaces while supporting the wider community effort to address homelessness with compassion and collaboration”.

Queen Elizabeth II Park, Victoria Park and all other city parks are open to the public daily from sunrise until sunset.