By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Michael Bondy thinks the public deserves an apology from Mayor Darrin Canniff and top administrator Michael Duben.
That’s because the Chatham councillor says he was unable to bring forward a motion at the July 28 council meeting devoted to homeless encampments. Bondy’s motion would see tents dismantled and removed in daylight hours, including their contents.
The migration of the downtown Chatham tent village to the Chatham water treatment plant on Grand Avenue East last month has kicked up a firestorm of opposition. At the four-hour meeting July 28, council moved ahead with a multi-pronged motion brought forward by Canniff. West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan took over as chair for that segment of the meeting.
Bondy told The Voice he’s not asking for an apology because his feelings are hurt. The councillor said he’s asking because the public was denied the opportunity to hear a motion that would “solve the problem.”
According to Bondy, council’s actions don’t fix the encampment issue, instead it has created more fear in other neighbourhoods. The Thames Grove Conservation Area and Paxton’s Bush have been named as municipally owned sites where the encampment could legally move to.
Bondy said that’s “thrown gas on the fire” and he’s already fielding calls from irate people in the neighbourhoods of the two named sites.
Normally, council votes to extend a meeting beyond the four-hour mark, if necessary, with the mayor raising the issue.
“Not one time have I ever saw a councillor call for a meeting extension,” Bondy said. “It’s my understanding that extending the meetings is always on the mayor.”
Council will revisit the issue at the Aug. 11 council meeting.
Would you prefer Mr Bondy, if we as advocates for that community, asked you to pack your home up every morning by your dictated time? Pack your house up sir, move it to some where more appropriate for people of the outside community. This unhoused community has been given space, perhaps for a limited time. But they have been given space to be human. Can we all not advocate for them? Can we all not fight for humanity? Can we all not just get a long?