The Municipality of Chatham-Kent Continues Coordinated Response to Encampments

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent continues to take a coordinated approach to addressing encampments in the community through ongoing collaboration between municipal departments, emergency services, and community partners.

Following recent incidents at the encampment site in Chatham, additional attention has been placed on fire prevention and propane safety. Last week, a joint team consisting of Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Services, Housing Services, Chatham-Kent Police Services, ROCK Missions, and Municipal By-law Enforcement conducted a comprehensive walkthrough of the encampment area on Grand Avenue. Team members spoke directly with individuals sheltering outdoors about fire safety, reviewed protocol expectations, and discussed available supports and services. During the walkthrough, three propane tanks and one propane heater were removed from the site.

The Municipality reminds residents that while staff cannot enter an individual’s private living space, including tents, to confiscate items, visible propane tanks and other safety hazards continue to be removed when identified, and ongoing fire safety education remains a priority.

The newly established Encampment Advisory Committee has been created to further strengthen coordination, communication and response efforts related to encampments throughout Chatham-Kent. The committee brings together key partners to review concerns, discuss emerging issues, and support consistent enforcement and outreach practices focused on safety, health, and community well-being.

In addition, the Municipality’s Encampment Response Team, which is made up of representatives from ROCK Missions, Municipal By-law Enforcement, Housing Services, and often Chatham-Kent Police Service, continues to meet weekly to review encampment-related concerns, protocol compliance, and enforcement activities.

Municipal By-law Officers continue to attend the encampment sites daily to monitor activities and engage directly with individuals sheltering outdoors. These interactions include ongoing conversations regarding compliance with Chatham-Kent’s Encampment Protocols and by-law requirements. When non-compliance issues arise, By-law Enforcement and outreach partners continue efforts to encourage voluntary compliance. If those efforts are unsuccessful, formal compliance orders may be issued. Orders are enforced multiple times weekly. Twice each week, coordinated cleanup efforts also take place at encampment locations. Staff from By-law Enforcement, ROCK Missions, Housing Services, and a disaster restoration company work together to remove garbage, debris, large discarded items, and visible safety hazards.

Chatham-Kent remains committed to balancing compassion, community safety, and support for vulnerable residents through continued collaboration and outreach efforts.