High praise for a Chatham-Kent project, providing temporary housing to those in need.
At this week’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent was awarded the P.J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Award for the Pathways on Park Transitional Cabin Project, recognizing outstanding projects that are transforming communities across Ontario.
“Pathways on Park is a great example of how municipalities can effectively partner with community agencies to deliver timely, person-centred housing solutions while maximizing existing assets and public investment,” said AMO President Robin Jones in a news release. “We were very impressed that the project repurposed an existing municipal property into safe, supportive transitional housing units when it is so critically needed.”
The 50-cabin property first opened in August, 2025 to support those experiencing homelessness. Since then, 126 individuals, including 12 unaccompanied youth and 11 seniors have stayed at the cabins. Municipal officials say Pathways on Park has also accommodated 16 dogs, recognizing that allowing people to remain with their pets can help remove a significant barrier to accessing shelter and housing supports.
The average participant stays at Pathways on Park for 81 days while working with staff and community partners toward greater stability and permanent housing.
28 participants have successfully moved from Pathways on Park into long-term housing. Of those individuals, 93 per cent remain housed, with one participant now having maintained their housing for more than 315 days.
“This award is tremendous recognition of the people and partnerships behind Pathways on Park, but the results are what we are most proud of,” added Mayor Darrin Canniff. “Pathways on Park demonstrates what we can accomplish when we take an innovative approach and work together.”
Municipal officials say this is the second award received by Pathways on Park; having also received recognition from the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) through the Local Municipal Champion award, which was presented in May of this year.
