For Now, Chatham-Kent's Biggest Homeless Encampment Is Staying Put

Chatham-Kent council: Much debate, but no decision yet on homeless camp bylaw

After a long debate that left more questions than answers, Chatham-Kent council ultimately decided to defer a homeless encampment bylaw for further information.

For now, Chatham-Kent's biggest homeless encampment is staying put

After meeting for several hours Monday night, council made a series of bylaw tweaks, outlining rules for people living in tent communities on municipal property. A final vote was postponed until council’s next session, planned for August 25.

Chatham encampment staying for now after vote on approving bylaw postponed

This was done after changes to the municipality's encampment protocols that council first approved in 2024 would have eliminated all potential spots for people to set up a tent.

Encampment bylaw deferred to next Chatham-Kent Council meeting | Wallaceburg News | Local news in Wallaceburg, Dresden and surrounding areas.

After a five-hour long meeting on Monday, which included several deputations from the community and a lengthy debate, Chatham-Kent Council deferred an encampment bylaw for further information. Council approved a motion by East Kent Councillor John Wright to push the bylaw decision to the Monday, August 25, 2025 Council meeting. Before the deferral, Council did deal with some elements of the report, including some adjustment to their encampment p…