North Kent Councillor Rhonda Jubenville is looking to explore the possibility of operating a treatment facility in Chatham-Kent to address homelessness and addiction
“The homeless crisis has been exacerbated in recent years in Chatham-Kent due to many societal issues,” Jubenville said in a notice of motion, which was issued at the Monday, August 11, 2025 Council meeting.
“Many persons who find themselves living in encampments across Chatham-Kent are living with addictions and mental health issues. The same people find it difficult to live in shelters like Victoria Park Place and the new transitional cabins, Pathways on Park, due to their addictions and mental health issues.”
Jubenville added: “Chatham-Kent is faced with an unsanctioned encampment crisis, that is affecting many of our residents and business across the Municipality. Moving the occupants of the encampments from one location to another, across Chatham and Chatham-Kent, is only providing a band-aid solution, but not treating the root cause of the encampments, which is addictions and mental health issues.”
Jubenville said Chatham-Kent has not received “suitable funding from upper levels of government” to earmark towards treatment facilities that provide: supports, services, supervision, counselling, specific supportive housing, treatment, and recovery for those living with addictions and mental health issues.
Jubenville’s motion would direct administration to investigate and research options for a treatment facility in Chatham-Kent.
The work would use best practices and would consult nearby, successful and similar facilities.
The motion would instruct staff to return to Council with a report to provide a solution and costs involved.
Jubenville’s motion is set to be on the agenda at an upcoming Chatham-Kent Council meeting.
