The roster for Chatham-Kent’s new Encampment Advisory Committee is taking shape.
Last November, members of municipal council agreed to create a ten member committee, tasked with ensuring transparent communication between the municipality and the community at large with respect to the Chatham encampment on Grand Avenue East. Members of the group were to include community members, business owners, two councillors, and individuals from local community groups or those with lived experience.
At Monday night’s meeting, council unanimously appointed residents Joseph Vandermeer, Claire McDowell, Renee Geniole, and Meghan Bradley, along with business owners Lynn O’Brien and Andrew Thiel, based on applications received.
Several councillors expressed interest in serving on the committee, but after four pulled their names from consideration, Councillors Michael Bondy and Marjorie Crew were appointed unanimously.
Two spots were reserved for members of municipal administrative staff, which have been filled by Jodi Guilmette, General Manager of Health and Human Services Department and CEO of the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit; and Kim Crew, Director of Housing Services.
Although no date has been set for the committee’s first meeting, Mayor Darrin Canniff says he expects the group will begin giving feedback shortly on how to better handle encampments and improve the situation for everyone involved.
