Three new parcels of land in Chatham have been identified as potential alternative sites for a homeless encampment, but the current site seems to be the only suitable and safe location.
A report going to Chatham-Kent council on Monday night suggests either the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) property at 325 Grand Avenue East, the Chatham Elevated Water Tower site at 545 Irwin Street, just north of Richmond Street, and the Thames Grove Conservation Area located south of Grand Avenue East at 34 Kingsway Drive as potential encampment sites.
In her report, CK Director of Housing Services and Operations Kim Crew stated that the PUC property can accommodate a 50-metre setback, but not 100 metres. She also said the water tower location is not recommended because it poses safety concerns due to heavy trucks and equipment using the water tower, and that it's too far from essential social services. The Thames Grove Conservation Area should not be considered, Crew said, because it's too close to a busy sports field and disc golf course and is in a flood plain, making it unsafe during heavy rain, deep snowfall, or seasonal flooding.
The O'Neill Nature Preserve, formerly known as Paxton's Bush, has been excluded from the list of possible locations because the lands were transferred to the municipality with legal conditions governing their use. Those conditions limit their use to specific passive uses, which do not include outdoor sheltering.
Crew noted that all four properties meet the proposed setback distance from private properties of 25, 50, and 100 metres. An improvement from the current 10 metres. However, only the current PUC site can safely meet the criteria set by council.
According to Crew, all municipal land parcels in Chatham were analyzed based on the parameters outlined by council and some that weren't.
"In addition to the criteria outlined by Council, several logistical considerations must be taken into account when evaluating potential sites. The location should not be within a flood plain to ensure safety and long-term viability," wrote Crew. "It must be accessible to individuals with mobility challenges and capable of supporting the installation and servicing of portable washroom facilities, if needed. The site must also accommodate the placement of a dumpster, along with the necessary equipment for regular waste removal, if needed. Furthermore, it should be easily accessible to supportive social service providers and emergency services, including police, fire, and paramedics, to ensure a timely and effective response when needed."
A bylaw to regulate the use of certain public properties and encampments in the municipality is up for approval at council's next meeting on Monday.
The municipality noted the purpose of the bylaw is to regulate the use of municipal public spaces within the municipality to ensure the protection of persons and property, promote the safe use and enjoyment of those spaces by the public, and support the municipality’s responsibility to maintain accessible, clean, and functional public environments. The bylaw is also intended to be applied in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, administration said.
Also up for a vote is the $215,000 contract for security and bylaw enforcement at the chosen encampment site. The estimated costs cover two security guards at 40 hours per week each, plus the use of a vehicle until December 31, 2026.
If approved, administration will review and analyze bylaw enforcement needs throughout 2026 and will include recommendations in the 2027 municipal budget process as required.