To allow input from all affected by the issue, Chatham-Kent councillors unanimously passed an amended motion seeking an advisory committee on encampments.

Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy entered the motion asking for a pilot committee that included council, neighbouring residents, businesses and municipal administration.

“This would allow for conversation,” he said, noting public deputations to council are just statements without any dialogue.

“It’s been a summer of chaos all the way around for everybody, even all of us sitting here … I think this is something concrete we can sink our teeth into.”

Similar to communities across the country, Chatham-Kent has grappled with encampments, which have become more prevalent due to the housing crisis, as well as issues related to addictions and ment

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