The Chatham-Kent Police Service is urging residents to reserve 9-1-1 calls for emergencies following a number of complaints regarding unhoused individuals sheltering on municipally owned property on Grand Avenue East.
Police confirmed they are aware of the encampment at the Public Utilities Commission property and emphasized that it falls within the guidelines of Chatham-Kent’s Encampment Protocol.
“Unhoused individuals are permitted to shelter at this property under the existing guidelines,” police said in a release Wednesday.
Residents with concerns about encampments that may violate municipal rules are being asked to call 311 or the police non-emergency line at 519-436-6600, rather than 9-1-1.
The Municipal Encampment Protocol, adopted by council in November 2024, outlines areas where individuals may not shelter, including locations near schools, parks, bridges, private property lines, and other sensitive or high-traffic zones. Encampments must not obstruct public paths or municipal operations, and structures must be freestanding and movable.
Outreach workers, including R.O.C.K. Missions, are actively engaged in supporting individuals sheltering in public spaces and helping them relocate to appropriate areas or available services.
The municipality offers several supports for those experiencing homelessness, including Victoria Park Place, the Homeless Response Line, and the Transitional Cabins Project, set to open in August.
Police said they remain committed to working with community partners to support public safety while respecting the rights of all individuals.
The full Encampment Protocol is available at: https://pub-chatham-kent.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=16611.
