it hasn't even been a week - and these photos are not part of issues requiring police.  The CK Police know that the move is causing issues, their phones are constantly ringing: https://cknewstoday.ca/chatham/news/2025/07/17/ck-police-ask-public-to-stop-calling-911-with-encampment-complaints

The recent decision to move the unhoused encampment to 325 Grand Ave in Chatham, Ontario, has stirred significant concern among local residents and the community at large. This location, set in a residential neighborhood, lacks the essential infrastructure and support systems necessary to adequately address the needs of the unhoused population. It's crucial for the Chatham-Kent Municipal Council to reconsider this decision and relocate the encampment to a more suitable area that can provide comprehensive support services.  Council must address the lessons learned from the mistakes made at the old location and strengthen the encampment bylaws to mirror those in Sarnia and London and set clear guidelines for the unhoused in any encampment in Chatham-Kent.

First and foremost, setting up an encampment in a residential zone presents numerous challenges. Residents deserve a sense of security and normalcy in their neighborhoods, free from the unintended consequences that poorly planned encampment locations can bring. Furthermore, the unhoused community itself is better served in areas where they have easy access to vital services such as mental health care, addiction counseling, and employment resources. These services are typically available in the city's core, not kilometers away in isolated residential areas.

Other cities have successfully tackled the issue of homelessness by integrating services with temporary encampments in more appropriate areas, showing a marked improvement in the lives of the affected individuals. Municipal councils, such as those in or Sarnia, London, Hamilton and Toronto have partnered with local service providers to ensure holistic support that fosters rehabilitation and social reintegration into the community.

Moreover, the decision to place this encampment was made without any community consultation. Engaging with residents is essential when making impactful community decisions. A more transparent approach not only builds trust but also often results in more effective and accepted solutions.  Calls and emails to most Council members have been blatantly ignored, which is adding to the frustration and raising anxiety.  Guidelines for the encampment should match those in Sarnia, including:

⧫ANY encampment in CK must have a dedicated physical boundary and a cap on the maximum number of shelters per encampment.  The downtown encampment had 30 tents and 52 residents.  As of July 17 there are 32 tents at this location, which should be the maximum.  

⧫Temporary shelters must be free standing, and set up in a row (no clustering), they cannot be placed against, under, or be attached or tied to any building or structure (including fencing).

⧫Temporary shelters must be spaced a minimum of 10 feet apart, and rows must be spaced far enough apart to allow for the passage of emergency vehicles. 

⧫No more than 1 tent per person and no more than 2 persons per temporary shelter. Wooden shelters, structures or additions are not permitted. 

⧫ ALL personal items shall be contained within the temporary shelter,   except for non-motorized methods of transportation.  Excess items; furniture, wood, etc. will be removed and disposed of.

⧫No open fires, barbeques, or combustibles including propane are permitted in the encampment. 

⧫All pets must be leashed when outside of the shelter; a muzzle is required if the pet is known to be violent; all dogs must be licensed.   

⧫Garbage must be placed in the municipally provided dumpster which will be emptied weekly as is the practice for all other residents in CK.

It's time for the CK Municipal Council to demonstrate accountability and leadership. They must listen to their constituents and prioritize finding a location that provides necessary resources for the unhoused, enabling them to regain stability and dignity. Let's push for a thoughtful and compassionate solution that respects the needs of both the homeless and the residents of Chatham. 

PLEASE ATTEND THE COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 11 AT 6:00 PM AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS 315 KING ST W

Sign the petition to urge the relocation of the 325 Grand Ave encampment to a more suitable location in Chatham, where adequate support services can be accessed by those in need. Together, we can drive change that benefits the entire community.