A special meeting of Chatham-Kent council will be held to discuss the new homeless encampment in Chatham.
Mayor Darrin Canniff personally called for the meeting due to all the issues and concerns being raised by members of the public over the chosen location next to the Public Utilities Commission property on Grand Avenue East.
"Encampments are an incredibly complex and constantly evolving situation. While we must show empathy and understanding for those experiencing homelessness, we also have a responsibility to support the safety, well-being, and quality of life for neighbouring residents and businesses," said Canniff.
He plans on introducing a motion that will encompass everything related to encampments. This includes impacts they're having on the surrounding communities and whether the current protocols in place need to be updated.
"We want to balance the rights and needs of homeowners (and) the homeless," added Canniff.
The motion will not specifically focus on the Grand Avenue East encampment.
This spot was chosen since it follows all rules outlined by the municipality. This includes being at least 100 metres away from municipal playgrounds, water parks, splashpads, beaches, sports fields, elementary schools, childcare facilities, assisted living facilities, or other health or social service facilities providing support or care services to youth or vulnerable populations.
All encampments also must be at least 10 metres away from any private property line.
This encampment has only been around for a little over a week. Most of those living there were previously part of the encampment on Thames Street that needed to be removed so the municipality could start slope stabilization work on the Thames River.
In this short time, a petition demanding the relocation of the new camp has gathered over 1,700 signatures. Many of the concerns being raised through the petition revolve around drug use and how close it is to people's homes.
The special council meeting is scheduled for July 28, starting at 6 p.m. There will be time for deputations, but Canniff wants people to know this meeting isn't about counting how many people are for and against encampments.
"There are a lot of people who want to share their thoughts, but if our council meeting has 100 people coming out doing deputations and basically saying the same thing, we won't have any time to do the debate," he explained.
Canniff is hoping people who want to talk will share ideas on how to support both property owners and those living at the encampment.