Municipal staff recently pulled several propane tanks and a propane heater from the homeless encampment on Grand Avenue East.
According to Chatham-Kent officials, the municipality continues to take a coordinated approach to addressing encampments in the community through ongoing collaboration between municipal departments, emergency services, and community partners.
The tank yank occurred following recent incidents at the encampment site. In the wake of a fire there in late April – as well as a death just off King Street East – additional attention has been placed on fire prevention and propane safety.
Recently, a joint team consisting of Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue, housing services, Chatham-Kent police, R.O.C.K. Missions, and municipal bylaw enforcement conducted a 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,” officials said in a media release.
Staff cannot enter an individual’s private living space, including tents, to confiscate items. However, visible propane tanks and other safety hazards continue to be removed when identified, and ongoing fire safety education remains a priority.
The Encampment Advisory Committee has been created to further strengthen co-ordination, 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.
As well, the municipality’s Encampment Response Team, which is made up of representatives from C-K police, R.O.C.K., bylaw enforcement and housing services, meets every week to review encampment-related concerns, protocol compliance, and enforcement activities.
Bylaw officers are at 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 bylaw requirements, according to a municipal press release.
When non-compliance issues arise, voluntary compliance is encouraged. If those efforts fail, formal compliance orders may be issued.
Orders are enforced multiple times every week.
Twice each week, coordinated cleanup efforts also take place at encampment locations. Personnel work together to remove garbage, debris, large discarded items, and visible safety hazards.
