By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
More resources are being funneled towards Chatham-Kent’s encampment challenge, but some are questioning where it will end.
C-K council approved a new encampment response strategy recently, following a recommendation from administration. It’s set to cost $85,000 until the end of March 2025, and includes garbage removal, access to sanitation, an increase in security as needed, and a boost in outreach services from Reach Out Chatham-Kent (ROCK) Missions. Drinking water will continue to be supplied, as well as sharps disposal containers.
According to a report from municipal housing services director Josh Myers, the rate of homelessness is up 19 per cent since Oct. 2023, with encampments like the one near the Third Street Bridge in downtown Chatham as a glaring example.
“The services we provide is dependent on the need, and the need is growing,” Myers told council.
But some councillors, including South Kent’s Anthony Ceccacci, worry about the mounting costs caused by homelessness.
“Where my concern is, is that we’re putting money upon money upon money at this and we’re not really seeing any changes,” Ceccacci said. “It’s only getting worse, right?”
The councillor asked Myers if there was any light at the end of the tunnel regarding upper tier government funding, questioning how much the municipality has spent on the issue to date.
“Light at the end of the tunnel is a really difficult thing for me to forecast,” Myers said in response. “I can say that the public attention on this issue is certainly high and I think it needs to be. I don’t think anyone’s OK with the status quo.”
As well, said Myers, there’s plenty of advocacy coming from organizations across the province as homelessness rises in Ontario.
In her comments, North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville asked Myers what would happen if the downtown encampment was shut down.
“If we were to go in and shut down the encampment, every single one of those people would be living somewhere else outside within Chatham-Kent,” Myers replied.
Chatham-Kent Police Service Chief Kirk Earley provided comments about security, admitting there has been an increase in calls for service in the area around the encampment.
“We say to the general public that if you see a crime in action, contact the police,” Earley said, noting there’s a big difference between being in danger and “feeling” like you’re in danger.
Earley said Myers and his team are doing a great job “building trust” with encampment dwellers, noting police and housing support staff conduct walk-throughs on a regular basis.
The new protocol has restrictions as to where encampments may be located, including being at least 100 metres from elementary schools, childcare facilities, assisted living homes and other health and care facilities providing care to youth and vulnerable populations. They are also excluded from being on or under bridges and within 10 metres of a private property line. The strategy does not apply to encampments located on private property, as that is a police matter.
The strategy will see ROCK Mission provide services seven days a week, up from the current three days a week.
Housing services will bring another report on homelessness to council Dec. 9, with details as to how the municipality will handle the encampment issue in the winter.
