By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Even though it now falls outside of Chatham-Kent’s encampment protocols, the tent village at the Chatham water treatment plant is staying put for now.
Following a lengthy meeting that saw the majority of council weigh in, elected officials opted to push a final decision to the Aug. 25 meeting.
After hours of discussion, East Kent Coun. John Wright brought forward a motion to revisit the issue at the next meeting, directing administration to provide more information in a report.
As the meeting moved into its fifth hour, Wright joined a handful of his fellow councilors in stating that council needed to look at the matter with fresh eyes.
As it stands, Chatham-Kent is left with the encampment protocol it approved last November, but no bylaw. Officials say this makes it difficult to enforce.
A motion brought forward by Chatham Coun. Mike Bondy that would prohibit encampment dwellers from camping on municipal lands during the day was defeated.
Numerous deputations, mainly calling for better solutions and the removal of the PUC camp, were presented.
For the full story, see next week’s Chatham Voice.
