Chatham-Kent council has directed staff to explore options for creating new partnerships with treatment facilities and supportive housing providers in an effort to address gaps in local addiction and recovery services.
The motion, introduced by North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville at the Aug. 25 council meeting, was approved with amendments from South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle.
Council asked staff to investigate the availability and cost of securing dedicated recovery beds exclusively for Chatham-Kent residents, with municipal funding for these placements considered as one option. The direction also calls for staff to identify gaps in the current system, opportunities for improvement, and ways to reduce the time between detox and admission into recovery or treatment programs.
As part of the process, staff will consult with a range of local service providers and organizations involved in health care, emergency services, social supports and addiction treatment. At least two collaborative meetings will be held with those groups, each invited to send up to two representatives. Councillors may attend as observers.
The staff report is expected to outline proposed solutions, operational requirements, and cost estimates for dedicated recovery beds, along with other opportunities to strengthen the system. Council also asked staff to provide options for partial program funding through public donations, including the ability to issue charitable tax receipts.
The report is scheduled to come back during the 2026 budget process.
Council also resolved to continue pressing the Ontario government for funding to create and operate a HART Hub – Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment – in Chatham-Kent, and to support the ongoing implementation of the municipality’s drug strategy.
