Chatham-Kent council approves tougher encampment rules, leaving only one possible site

CTV News

2 days ago

Chatham-Kent council has voted to tighten the rules around homeless encampments — a move administration says leaves just one municipal property in Chatham where a camp could legally operate.
During a meeting Monday night that drew a standing-room-only crowd for the second time in three weeks, councillors approved a series of bylaw changes one-by-one after hearing more than 20 deputations and receiving two petitions on the issue.
One petition called for action on the camp, while the other urged the municipality to protect the people living there.
The new rules amend Chatham-Kent's encampment protocol to:
Prohibit encampments within 100 metres of any private property line with a habitable residence.
Prohibit encampments within 100 metres of any business.
Require a 25-metre buffer from construction sites.
Require a 10-metre buffer from recreational paths.
Require tents to be at least two metres apart.
Task bylaw enforcement officers with handling encampment-related issues on private property.
Direct administration not to proceed with purchasing land for a sanctioned encampment site.
Require administration to continue reporting recommendations for community mitigation practices on an ongoing basis.
Have all costs tied to enforcement, mitigation and community supports compiled and shared with the Premier, the ministers of health and municipal affairs and housing, and local MPPs.
Allow administration to close or adjust recreation amenities inconsistent with the new rules.
Administration told council the changes mean Thames Grove Conservation Area is now the only municipal land in Chatham that meets the new criteria for an encampment.
The current camp on Grand Avenue East is located on Public Utilities Commission property and would not comply under the new 100-metre setback from homes and businesses.
The vote follows weeks of heated public debate and a special emergency meeting in late July, where council considered but delayed a decision on the 100-metre setback.
While some residents told council Monday the tougher rules are needed to address safety and quality-of-life concerns, others argued they will further marginalize people without housing unless long-term shelter and support options are in place.