The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is proposing an updated strategy for managing homeless encampments within the municipality.
In a report coming to CK council Monday night, municipal staff are recommending that a new “Encampment Response Strategy” be approved, along with funding for additional sanitation, garbage removal, and security services when necessary.
The municipality’s strategy focuses on a social service response to encampments, which will take a general non-enforcement approach. However, encampments that do not meet the specific criteria will be relocated.
The strategy states that encampments will not be permitted in several areas that have a greater impact on the community as a whole, with respect to health and safety, as well as impacts on private residences and businesses.
These areas include 100 metres from elementary schools, childcare facilities, assisted living facilities, or other health or social service facilities; on or under bridges; in or on any public-use building or structure; and in any actively used parking lot among others.
Any encampments on private property will be considered a police matter and are not addressed in the municipal response.
To improve public health and reduce the negative impacts associated with encampments, the municipality and outreach services will provide access to sanitation, garbage removal and regular delivery of drinking water to encampments.
The support services, if approved by council, would be funded through the ESS Future Economic Downturn reserve and would not exceed $85,000 annually.
Outreach services will also provide outreach to those living in encampments to build relationships and trust, and connect them with community resources that can assist them in exiting the encampment.
According to CK Housing Services, there are currently over 200 residents who are experiencing homelessness. Chatham-Kent only has 44 shelter beds available within the municipality, which are typically at capacity.
