The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is continuing work on the new transitional cabins project.
Servicing of the cabins site has been completed (sewer lines and electrical), the ground has been levelled and prepared, and substrate has been laid down. The piles that the cabins will be placed on have also been installed, Municipal officials say.
“The cabins themselves are waiting to be delivered to Chatham where they will be first assembled offsite by a local company then delivered for installation,” Municipal officials said in a media release.
“The community building and washrooms have already begun to be assembled offsite with installation on site to begin soon.”
Municipal officials added: “Originally slated for earlier completion, the cabins project has experienced minor delays due to weather and supply chain issues. Construction is now projected to wrap up by July 31, 2025. An extension of the Victoria Park Place (VPP) lease has been requested of Council, which would allow time to relocate shelter residents, staff, and equipment to the cabins site.”
The lease extension and operation costs will be funded through existing VPP and Homeless Prevention Program budget, Municipal officials say.
“This will result in no additional costs to taxpayers, as these funds would either be spent at VPP or the transitional cabins site,” Municipal officials say.
“Since opening in 2022, VPP’s 44 beds have operated near full capacity nightly, underscoring the need for transitional housing options in Chatham-Kent. The new cabins program, approved by Council in 2024, will offer 24/7 staffing, security, case management, life skills training, and referrals to permanent housing resources.”
Municipal staff continue to consult with both neighbourhood groups near VPP and the cabins site to keep them informed and address any concerns.
Regular updates will continue as the project progresses, Municipal officials added.
For more information about the transitional cabin project, visit https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/transitional-housing-project.
