Chatham-Kent council has approved funding to install a security gate in a downtown Chatham alleyway, following a request from the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA aimed at improving safety in the area.
Under the approved option, brought forward by Chatham Councillor Connor Allin, the municipality’s chief financial officer is authorized to grant an estimated $13,880, plus applicable taxes, to the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA for the installation of the gate. The funding will come from the Strategic Reserve.
The grant is subject to the BIA entering into a grant agreement with the municipality that ensures affected private property owners confirm permission for the installation of the gate structure, that gate specifications are finalized in consultation with the Chatham-Kent Police Service and Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue Services to maintain emergency access requirements, and that ongoing ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the gate become the responsibility of the private property owners.
The gate is proposed for the alleyway located between 202 King Street and 210 King Street in downtown Chatham. A previous Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design audit conducted by the Chatham-Kent Police Service identified the alleyway as an area of concern.
The motion was approved at council’s August 10, 2026 meeting.
