By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Chatham-Kent Council has approved a series of amendments to its Encampment Protocol following a special meeting aimed at addressing concerns from residents and exploring new strategies to support those experiencing homelessness.
The meeting focused on the current encampment location, its impact on the surrounding community and potential measures to assist neighbouring residents. Council reviewed the existing protocol and discussed ways to navigate the evolving situation.
A total of 28 deputations were submitted, with 16 presented in person in Council Chambers.
Following public input and council discussion, Mayor Darrin Canniff introduced a motion originally containing nine points. After amendments, council voted in favour of several revisions to the Encampment Protocol.
Administration will continue working with ROCK to engage individuals and prioritize them for services and housing as they become available. Efforts will also be made to voluntarily transition as many people as possible to the new transitional cabins program, reducing the number of encampments.
Council directed administration to actively pursue all options to reduce and end encampments in Chatham-Kent. This includes exploring permanent supportive housing and expanding transitional cabin availability. A report outlining options and costs will be presented to council and shared with provincial and federal governments for potential funding.
Administration will also explore local housing options that could be quickly converted into supportive housing and report back on feasibility and costs.
The amended protocol now includes a provision allowing only one tent per person, with personal items stored inside the tent—excluding bicycles and small pet shelters. Items in violation will be removed following notice. Refuse collection at encampment sites will be increased.
Council directed administration to bring forward a bylaw to enforce the updated protocols and hire an additional temporary bylaw officer. Recommendations on staffing and costs will be reported back.
Chatham-Kent Police will install CCTV cameras at encampment sites where operationally required, at their discretion.
A report will be presented at the Sept. 8 council meeting outlining a plan to engage partners in mental health, medical support, addictions, housing and crisis response. The report will include creative solutions and best practices from across Ontario, along with associated costs.
Regular communication with residents and business owners near the 325 Grand Ave. E. property will begin immediately and continue until further notice.
Councillor Alysson Storey successfully moved to refer the first point of Mayor Canniff’s motion back to administration. The original recommendation would have restricted encampments within 100 metres of residential or commercial properties, 25 metres from construction sites and 10 metres from recreational paths.
Storey’s motion stated: “That recommendation 1 be referred to administration in order to ensure an informed and transparent decision process to the August meeting where administration can report back with locations that fit within the setback radius; permitting the public to provide feedback and deputations on the implications of setback distances in the bylaw.”
In response to the final motion point, a dedicated Let’s Talk page has been launched to provide residents with updates and information about the encampment.
