An encampment on private property in Wallaceburg is being cleared.
The owner of the Duke Street property recently requested support from Chatham-Kent Police and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Staff from Chatham-Kent Housing Services, local police, by-law enforcement, and the R.O.C.K. (Reach Out Chatham-Kent) outreach team have been working to help those affected relocate.
While some individuals have found stay-with-family options, moved back to Walpole Island with support from the Walpole Island Warming Centre, or accessed shelters in Chatham, officials say roughly 17 people had nowhere else to go.
Under Chatham-Kent’s Encampment Protocol, municipal staff evaluated potential municipal site and, in consultation with those staying at the encampment, chose the PUC property on Base Line Road as the preferred location.
Those residing at the Duke Street property were given two weeks notice to vacate, with a deadline of Thursday, August 27.
In an emailed statement to CKXS News late Thursday afternoon, municipal officials said teams had been notifying nearby neighbors, and basic services, including washrooms and garbage collection, were being set up.
Outreach teams are continuing the work of attempting to connect residents with long-term housing.
