Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor has given notice of a motion that would direct municipal staff to explore ways to expand emergency housing in the community.
The motion, which is on the agenda for the Sept. 8 council meeting, notes that Chatham-Kent has fewer shelter spaces available than the number of individuals requiring them, and lacks adequate transitional and supportive housing to help people move along the housing spectrum.
If approved, the motion would instruct staff to report back with options to increase emergency housing capacity, including the potential expansion of the municipality’s cabin project, to ensure spaces are available for anyone experiencing homelessness. The report would also be expected to consider future growth in the number of people without housing.
McGregor’s motion further calls for a review of transitional and supportive housing projects in other Ontario municipalities, including their funding models and use of municipally owned assets, to determine whether similar approaches could be adopted locally.
The motion follows provincial legislation and court decisions that allow individuals experiencing homelessness to shelter on public lands when no indoor spaces are available.
The motion will be voted on at the Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 council meeting.
