Chatham-Kent council will receive an updated report on the municipality’s Encampment Protocol at its next meeting on Aug. 11.
In the meantime, a dedicated Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent page has been launched to provide residents with up-to-date information and ongoing communication on the issue. The page can be accessed at www.LetsTalkChatham-Kent.ca/EncampmentUpdates.
As previously reported, council held a special meeting July 28 to discuss the encampment located near 325 Grand Avenue East in Chatham, its impact on neighbouring residents and businesses, and potential measures to address the situation. The discussion included a review of the municipality’s current Encampment Protocol and possible revisions.
A total of 28 deputations were submitted for the meeting, with 16 delivered in person.
Following the public input, Mayor Darrin Canniff introduced a motion with nine recommendations. Council voted in favour of several amendments, including continued collaboration with the ROCK team to connect individuals with available housing and support services.
Council also supported efforts to voluntarily transition individuals from encampments into the municipality’s new transitional cabins program, while pursuing long-term solutions such as permanent supportive housing. A report on available options and associated costs will be brought back to council as soon as possible and shared with provincial and federal partners for potential funding support.
Other approved changes include a one-tent-per-person rule, with all belongings to be kept within tents—aside from bicycles and small pet shelters. Items left outside in violation of this rule will be removed following notice. Waste collection at encampment sites will also be increased.
Administration was directed to prepare a bylaw to support enforcement of the amended protocol and to hire an additional temporary bylaw officer. Chatham-Kent police will install CCTV cameras at encampment locations where operationally required.
Council also requested a report for the Sept. 8 meeting that outlines a coordinated response involving mental health, addiction, housing and medical supports, along with crisis intervention to assist those staying in encampments. The report will explore creative approaches used in other Ontario municipalities and include cost estimates.
In the short term, administration will begin regular neighbourhood communication with residents and businesses in the Grand Avenue East area.
One part of the mayor’s original motion—proposing setbacks of 100 metres from residential or commercial properties, 25 metres from construction sites, and 10 metres from recreational paths—was referred back to administration following a motion from Coun. Alysson Storey. Her motion directs staff to return to council in August with a list of sites that would comply with the proposed setbacks and to allow for further public input before a final decision is made.
