Officials with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent say they’re stepping up efforts to monitor for safety hazards at an encampment site in Chatham after propane tanks were recently removed from the property. On Wednesday, the municipality issued a news release detailing three propane tanks and a propane heater that were removed from the site on Grand Avenue as a result of a safety sweep through the encampment. The municipality says “additional attention” has been brought to the site to ensure fire prevention and propane safety is maintained amongst the tents and makeshift shelters. That sweep also saw officials apprise individuals of fire safety protocols as well as available support services. An Encampment Advisory Committee has been newly established to spearhead the municipality’s coordinated community approach to the encampment. Regular, even daily, walkthroughs aim to remove safety hazards while connecting with people living rough. The committee meets weekly and includes participation from ROCK Missions, by-law enforcement, housing services, as well as police. The municipality stresses officials are not permitted to enter private residences or spaces, including tents; however, hazards continue to be removed when identified with fire safety education remaining a key priority. Officials stress they’re committed to a balanced approach to the encampment considering compassionate care for vulnerable residents and public safety. The municipality posts updates concerning the situation on its website.
