Chatham-Kent’s mayor is calling the impending closure of a local transitional housing facility “very concerning” for the municipality.
CK Extended Stay, located on Michener Road near Grand Avenue East in Chatham, is slated to close its doors for renovations on July 31.
CK Mayor Darrin Canniff said the affordability of housing has been a serious problem for many people over the last several years, and this closure will compound the issue.
“[The municipality is] working very hard to get new housing in place and it doesn’t just happen overnight. So when they close at the end of the month… we don’t have those housing units,” said Canniff. “Unfortunately, some of them are going to end up on the street.”
The 40-room privately-owned building provides accommodations for people transitioning into permanent housing. The building was converted from the Super 8 hotel to transitional housing in August 2021.
Canniff said Chatham-Kent will do what it can to help those displaced by the upcoming closure.
“Certainly, we’ll go as far as we can go. I don’t know if we’ll reach out to every individual, but know that if you’re living there, please reach out to the municipality. We can help,” he said.
Those who believe they are at risk of homelessness can contact CK Employment and Social Services by calling 519-351-8573 or emailing [email protected] during regular office hours.
