The Municipality of Chatham-Kent says it is continuing a coordinated approach to managing encampments across the community, with renewed attention on fire prevention and propane safety following recent incidents at the Chatham encampment site.
Municipal officials said a joint team made up of Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Services, Chatham-Kent Police Service, ROCK Missions, Housing Services and municipal bylaw enforcement recently conducted a walkthrough of the encampment area on Grand Avenue.
During the visit, staff spoke with individuals sheltering outdoors about fire safety, reviewed protocol expectations and discussed available supports and services. Officials said three propane tanks and one propane heater were removed from the site.
The municipality said staff are unable to enter an individual’s private living space, including tents, to confiscate items, but visible propane tanks and other safety hazards continue to be removed when identified. Ongoing fire safety education also remains a priority, officials said.
The municipality also announced the creation of a new Encampment Advisory Committee aimed at strengthening coordination, communication and response efforts related to encampments throughout Chatham-Kent. The committee includes municipal departments and community partners tasked with reviewing concerns, discussing emerging issues and supporting consistent enforcement and outreach practices focused on safety, health and community well-being.
Officials said the municipality’s Encampment Response Team — which includes representatives from ROCK Missions, bylaw enforcement, Housing Services and often police — continues to meet weekly to review concerns, protocol compliance and enforcement activities.
Municipal bylaw officers also continue daily visits to encampment sites to monitor activity and engage with individuals sheltering outdoors. Those interactions include discussions surrounding compliance with Chatham-Kent’s encampment protocols and bylaw requirements.
The municipality said outreach workers and bylaw officers first attempt to encourage voluntary compliance when issues arise. If those efforts are unsuccessful, formal compliance orders may be issued and enforced multiple times each week.
Twice-weekly cleanup efforts are also continuing at encampment locations. Staff from bylaw enforcement, ROCK Missions, Housing Services and a disaster restoration company work together to remove garbage, debris, discarded items and visible safety hazards.
The municipality said it remains committed to balancing compassion, community safety and support for vulnerable residents through ongoing outreach and collaboration efforts.
