Chatham-Kent council has given its approval to a price increase associated with extending the lease and employee contracts at the Victoria Park Place (VPP) temporary homeless shelter in Chatham.
In a report to council, Director of Housing Services and Operations, Kim Crew, wrote that extending the lease at VPP from May 20 to August 20 would cost an additional $35,595. Council also approved the $260,000 needed from the Victoria Park Place shelter and Homelessness Prevention Program Fund to cover the ten part-time shelter support workers and VPP operating expenses.
“The proposed lease extension date of August 20, 2025, provides three weeks of additional time to complete all necessary moves of furniture, equipment, and people,” Crew wrote in their report.
The lease at 185 Murray Street in Chatham was set to expire on May 31, 2025. However, municipal officials released a report stating that minor delays due to weather and supply chain issues have delayed a homeless cabin project, which will replace the shelter, with completion now expected by the end of July.
Chatham-Kent’s Chief Administrative Officer Michael Duben told councillors Monday night that administration has applied for funding to help with the costs associated with the 50 tiny cabins, but is still waiting to find out if it’s been approved.