By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Chatham-Kent Council revisited the ongoing issue of encampments across the municipality during its meeting held on Monday, August 25, 2025. After considerable discussion, Council approved a motion to reduce the required setback distance between encampments and residential property lines from 100 metres to 25 metres. The motion also included exemptions for portions of the PUC site and the Water Tower site, allowing encampments to remain in those areas without adhering to the revised setback rule. Additionally, Council authorized up to $100,000 in funding per exempted site to support infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing privacy and overall community well-being.
During the meeting, Council heard multiple deputations and received legal guidance from municipal administration. Staff emphasized that municipalities are bound by legal precedents which affirm the rights of unhoused individuals to shelter on public lands when no alternative accommodations are available. These court decisions have shaped the framework within which Chatham-Kent must operate.
North Kent Councillor Rhonda Jubenville, who introduced the motion to revise the setback distance, acknowledged the complexity of the issue. While she expressed personal opposition to encampments, she noted that legal constraints leave the municipality with limited options.
“Based on legal knowledge that has been presented to council and the public tonight, removing encampments in Chatham-Kent is not an option,” Jubenville said, adding that sanctioning a single site is not a comprehensive solution.
Following the presentations and discussion, Council voted 10–5 in favour of adopting a formal encampment bylaw, with one councillor abstaining.
The bylaw incorporates regulations outlined in the Encampment Protocol, which is publicly available for review. Among the rules included are requirements for tents and structures to be spaced at least two metres apart to ensure fire safety and access for emergency services.
The bylaw enforces a zero-tolerance policy for violence and criminal activity and mandates that encampment sites maintain reasonable cleanliness. This includes prohibiting the presence of used, uncapped needles and excessive garbage or debris. T
o support these standards, sharps containers and garbage disposal access will be placed at strategic locations throughout the community.
West Kent Councillor Melissa Harrigan, who seconded the motion, emphasized the need for a broader policy approach. She warned that smaller communities within Chatham-Kent may face similar encampment challenges in the future and urged Council to prepare accordingly.
Council also approved a motion to single-source enforcement of the Encampment Response Protocol to Royal Protective Services. In preparation for enforcement, the municipality has hired a local contractor to begin cleanup operations at the PUC site, with enforcement of the new rules expected to begin in the coming weeks.
To keep residents informed and engaged, the municipality has launched a dedicated Let’s Talk page where ongoing updates and information about the encampment issue will be shared. The page can be accessed at www.LetsTalkChatham-Kent.ca/EncampmentUpdates.
