The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is strengthening its Business Licensing By-law in an effort to reduce copper and metal theft, improve accountability in the salvage sector and better protect community infrastructure.
Council has approved updates to the by-law, including new rules governing salvage yards that buy and sell scrap materials. The changes were developed in consultation with the Chatham-Kent Police Service following ongoing concerns about copper and metal theft across the municipality.
Officials say such thefts have led to significant costs, property damage, service disruptions and safety risks, with impacts ranging from private property to municipal assets, including parks, lighting infrastructure, cemeteries, roads, and water and wastewater systems.
Under the revised by-law, certain high-risk scrap materials, including manhole covers, guard rails, street signs and storm grates, cannot be purchased without prior written approval from police. Payments for items such as copper, bronze and metallic wire must also now be made using traceable methods like cheque or electronic transfer.
Salvage businesses will be required to keep enhanced on-site records for up to three years, while additional oversight measures will require police approval for certain materials with altered serial numbers.
The municipality says licensed operators will receive mailed notifications outlining the changes, and updated information will continue to be posted on its Business Licensing By-law webpage.
