The Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) says it continues addressing fire hazards and unsafe practices at homeless encampments.
The municipality said recent fires and other incidents at the Chatham encampment have made additional attention to fire prevention and propane safety necessary.
According to the municipality, a joint team consisting of CK Fire and Rescue, municipal housing services, CK police, R.O.C.K. Missions, and municipal bylaw enforcement recently conducted a comprehensive walk-through of the encampment area on Grand Avenue in Chatham and spoke about fire safety with individuals sheltering at the site.
Three propane tanks and one propane heater were removed from the site during the walk-through, officials said.
"The municipality reminds residents that while staff cannot enter an individual’s private living space, including tents, to confiscate items, visible propane tanks and other safety hazards continue to be removed when identified, and ongoing fire safety education remains a priority," said the municipality.
Officials also reviewed protocol, expectations, and available supports and services.
Municipal bylaw officers also continue to visit the encampment sites daily to monitor activities and engage with individuals sheltering outdoors, the municipality noted.
"These interactions include ongoing conversations regarding compliance with Chatham-Kent’s Encampment Protocols and bylaw requirements. When non-compliance issues arise, bylaw enforcement and outreach partners continue efforts to encourage voluntary compliance. If those efforts are unsuccessful, formal compliance orders may be issued," stated municipal officials.
They said compliance orders are enforced multiple times weekly and cleanup efforts take place twice weekly at the encampment locations to remove garbage and visible safety hazards.
The municipality said its Encampment Response Team, made up of R.O.C.K. Missions, municipal bylaw enforcement, municipal housing services, and CK police, continues to meet weekly to review encampment-related concerns, protocol compliance, and enforcement activities.
The newly established Encampment Advisory Committee also continues working to strengthen coordination, communication, and response efforts at encampments throughout Chatham-Kent.
