Chatham councilor calls for action on homeless encampment

Calling it a safety hazard and an eyesore, a Chatham councilor says something must be done about a homeless encampment near Chatham-Kent’s city hall.

“There’s a lot of dismay about this,” Coun. Michael Bondy said Tuesday. “Steps from city hall. Under a brand new bridge. They were lighting fires, apparently.

“There’s a real call for something to be done. It’s public land.”

No one was present when The Daily News visited the site Tuesday afternoon; however, debris, clothes, bikes, sheets and blankets could be seen.

Admitting it can be a “sensitive situation,” Bondy says it still should be addressed.

“It’s a blight on our downtown,” he said. “I think something’s got to be done.”

Chatham County. Marjorie Crew, a homelessness advocate, says it isn’t as easy as trying to move vulnerable people along to somewhere else.

“I certainly have a deep concern for people living in the rough and choosing to live that way,” she said. “We have to find a compassionate way to address this.”

Polly Smith, Chatham-Kent’s director of employment and social services, said municipal staff monitor all encampments that they are aware of on public property regularly.

She said employment and social services staff, and outreach partners, offer alternative accommodation options and other supports.

“Police officers from the community mobilization unit also drop in to visit and check on camper’s wellness, safety and offer alternatives as well,” she said in an email. “Public works or parks staff members do periodic cleanup work.

“Solutions offered to individuals living in those encampments are confidential. Each individual or family is offered assistance tailored to them on a case by case basis. There are not always the housing or sheltering options available that residents need or prefer.”

Smith said that municipalities are also restricted from removing encampments located on public property in many instances.

“In most situations, those living in encampments are doing so because they have nowhere else to go,” she said. “A recent court case has clarified legal protections for those living in encampments.

“In short, just like all citizens of Canada, persons living in encampments are protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Removing encampments may violate these rights, unless there are available and accessible alternatives for those citizens.”

She said a report will come to council, noting that municipal staff, with input from community partners and persons with experience of homelessness, have developed a “person-centred approach.”

Chatham-Kent doesn’t have enough affordable housing or support programs for everyone that needs them, Smith said. “Until this changes, encampments will continue to exist in our community.

“Municipalities have the difficult task of attempting to balance the needs of encampment dwellers with the needs and rights of the surrounding neighborhood or citizens who wish to use the public space.

“Staff and partners will continue to work with encampment residents to make referrals and connect them with services that can improve their situation. Encampments that pose immediate safety risks will be prioritized and reviewed.”

Smith said concerned citizens should call 311 to report encampment locations and that 911 should be used in emergencies.

If property owners have unwanted encampments on their properties, they should call police for assistance.

Anyone who wants to help people experiencing homelessness can contact an employment and social services management team member at [email protected] or call 519-351-8573.

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