Permanent move or daily dismantling?: Chatham-Kent mulls encampment response

Officials met on Monday, discussing concerns brought forth regarding the new homeless encampment location in the city. CTV Windsor’s Robert Lothian has more.

A response to the latest site of a homeless encampment in Chatham-Kent will be the topic of discussion at a meeting on Monday evening.

Darrin Canniff, the municipality’s mayor, called a special meeting to address growing concerns over the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission property along Grand Avenue.

“While we must show empathy and understanding for those experiencing homelessness, I believe Chatham-Kent Council also has a responsibility to support the safety, well-being, and quality of life for neighbouring residents and businesses,” Canniff posted to social media on Friday.

“Chatham-Kent is one of the only municipalities that has created a protocol to deal with encampments, but I believe it needs to be strengthened to offer further protection for homeowners, businesses, and neighbourhoods.”

On June 14, those living in an encampment along the Thames River were forced to relocate to facilitate slope stabilization work along the waterway.

Without direction on where they must go, many people ended up at the PUC property.

It’s been estimated that upwards of 40 tents are pitched at the site ahead of Monday’s meeting.

Under an encampment protocol developed by the municipality, unhoused individuals cannot shelter within 10 metres of a private property line.

A notice of motion Canniff plans to present to council asks for the protocol to be amended to raise the limit to 100 metres. It also calls for individuals to be limited to one tent each, and that all personal items be stored within their tent.

“This is a complex and constantly evolving situation, and I’m committed to continuing efforts until Chatham-Kent develops a solution to end the need for encampments entirely,” Canniff wrote.

The mayor’s motion further calls for added work to ensure all housing options are exhausted, more bylaw officers are hired to enforce the protocols, and new CCTV cameras are installed at the discretion of the Chatham-Kent Police Service.

When encampment residents moved to the PUC property, those living nearby told CTV News they were concerned about how it would impact the neighbourhood.

On July 16, Chatham-Kent police issued a reminder to the public that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only, after receiving calls regarding people camped out on the PUC property.

A separate notice of motion by Coun. Michael Bondy seeks to have those living in encampments dismantle their tents each morning, with permission to return each night.

Since the encampment moved, Bondy said he’s been inundated by messages from “very upset” residents.

“First of all, they weren’t notified. There was zero consultation with the residents in that area of town, and, of course, there’s many businesses too that are affected,” Bondy told CTV News.

Through his motion, bylaw and police officers will have the power to “remove, seize, and impound” items that are still there during unpermitted hours.

Bondy believes his motion “strikes a balance” between those residing in nearby homes and those in tents. He noted residents feel a sense of “intimidation” that prevents them from using nearby trails.

“So that would eliminate stuff in these parks during the course of the day, which is when the general public typically uses these things,” Bondy said.

“The motion stipulates that that would be effective, one hour before sundown and up until one hour after sunrise.”

Referencing time he spent working at a homeless shelter in London, Bondy noted those using the services would have to leave during the day.

“It gave them like some structure, so they had to sleep at night, and during the day they were out and about,” he explained.

The councillor admitted constituents he’s spoken with want to see an outright ban rather than a daily limitation.

The motions will both go before council at Monday’s meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

— with files from CTV’s Chris Campbell.