An illegal encampment in Wallaceburg is being relocated.
The private property owner near Duke Street recently advised the occupants they must leave the site and take their property with them.
The Public Utilities Commission property on Base Line Road in Wallaceburg has been chosen as the new encampment site.
According to the municipality, the new site meets the newly established encampment protocol criteria and neighbours are being advised of the situation.
Arrangements for basic services at the site, including washrooms and garbage collection, are also in the works, municipal officials noted.
The municipality said Housing Services has been working closely with Chatham-Kent bylaw officers, Chatham-Kent police, and the R.O.C.K. outreach team to support the individuals affected and help identify alternative shelter and housing options.
"Through that work, a number of individuals have been able to make alternative arrangements," said Eric Labadie, Municipality of Chatham-Kent Manager of Corporate Communications. "Some are relocating to Chatham to access available shelter and supports, some are returning to Walpole Island, and others have arranged to stay with friends or family."
Labadie noted approximately 17 individuals indicated they had no place to stay other than the encampment and gave municipal staff some preferred site options.
The municipality noted that it remains focused on helping people move from encampments into more appropriate housing and shelter. It will also continue working directly with the individuals at the site to connect them with available housing, shelter and support services.
