Chatham-Kent police are asking the public to not call 9-1-1 to complain about the relocated homeless encampment in Chatham.
Police said they continue receiving calls into the Emergency Communications Centre from members of the public who are raising concerns about the location of the new encampment on the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) property on Grand Avenue East in Chatham.
Police are reminding the public that if they have questions or concerns with an unhoused person violating the municipality's Encampment Protocol, they can call 3-1-1 or the CK police non-emergency number at 519-436-6600.
"The Chatham-Kent Police Service is aware of the presence of the unhoused individuals choosing to shelter at the PUC property, which is municipally owned and is within the guidelines of the municipality’s Encampment Protocol. Unhoused individuals are permitted to shelter at this property under the existing guidelines," said CK police in a news release on Wednesday afternoon.
The CK Encampment Protocol has several restrictions in place regulating where unhoused persons can shelter, including being:
On or within 100 metres from municipal playgrounds, water parks, splash pads, beaches, or sports fields
On or within 100 metres from elementary schools, childcare facilities, assisted living facilities, or other health or social service facilities providing support or care services to youth or vulnerable populations including shelters
Within 10 metres of any private property line
On or under bridges
On or within 5 metres of sidewalks or pedestrian paths
On or within 25 metres of any cemetery
On or within 5 metres of an off-leash dog area
On or within 5 metres of any community garden
Structures must be freestanding and able to be moved when required
Not in any actively used parking lot
Not in or on any public-use building or structure
Not in areas that block the free movement of another person on a street, public pathway, sidewalk, or other path of public travel
Not on municipal land where individuals have a private easement or ownership interest, or where the municipality owes a duty to maintain the land to the benefit or partial benefit of private individuals (i.e. beach access)
Not on municipal lands in areas obstructing construction or maintenance activities
Click here to read the full protocol.
"The Chatham-Kent Police Service continues to work alongside community partners to ensure public safety while respecting the rights of all individuals. We thank the members of the community for their understanding and cooperation," police said.