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CBC
17 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
Chatham-Kent council defers decision on possible encampment relocation
Social Sharing Residents of a Chatham-Kent homeless encampment will have to wait until next month to find out if they have to move again. Municipal council voted to defer a decision that could relocate the encampment on the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) lands. Councillors passed a motion at a special meeting Monday night to have staff prepare a report outlining which municipal properties homeless people could camp on if they had to stay up to 100 metres away from residential properties. Staff will present options specific to the community of Chatham at council's August meeting and to the rest of the communities in the municipality in September. "My reason for asking for this is just to make sure that we don't repeat what just happened," said Coun. Allyson Storey, referring to the outcry from neighbours of the PUC lands that precipitated Monday's special meeting. "It is not an attempt to delay," Storey said. Where else could campers go? Many homeowners near the PUC lands say they were blindsided by the arrival of the campers approximately two weeks ago after the municipality broke up an encampment on the riverfront to make way for slope stabilization work. They told councillors Monday they were angry at not having been consulted over decisions about where campers could move. Storey's motion was a response to a motion by Mayor Darrin Canniff, which proposed amending Chatham-Kent's encampment protocol to prohibit camping within 100 metres of a residential property. Currently, the proscribed distance is within 10 metres. Storey said she wanted to know what options would be available to campers if the set-back radius was set at 25, 50 or 100 metres — and to give residents a chance to weigh in on any changes. If council had passed Canniff's motion as moved, there would only be two places in all of Chatham where homeless people could camp, Bruce McAllister told councillors. "It would be Thames Grove," said the municipality's general manager of development services. "If you go to 100 metres, you could still accommodate at the very southeast corner of the property a number of tents there. … The other potential option is Paxton's Bush." Councillors did adopt the remaining components of Canniff's motion, which laid out a number of measures aimed at eliminating homelessness and reducing complaints about encampments in the meantime. Those steps include: Requesting that staff prepare reports on options for delivering permanent supportive housing and more transitional cabins; identify properties that could be converted into supportive housing; and engage partner organizations such as mental health service providers to provide services in encampments. Transitioning as many homeless people as possible into the municipality's new transitional cabins. Continuing to work with R.O.C.K. (Reach Out Chatham-Kent) to house as many homeless people as possible. Permitting only one tent per person in encampments and requiring all possessions to be kept inside tents except for bicycles and small structures for pets. Hiring additional bylaw officers to enforce bylaws in encampments. Having police install CCTV cameras as needed at their discretion. Beginning regular communication with residents in the area around the PUC property. Councillors did not consider a motion put forward by Coun. Michael Bondy, which would've required campers to dismantle their campsites and disperse during daytime hours. The four-hour meeting opened with 17 delegations from neighbours of the encampment and advocates for homeless people. Some residents expressed concern about their property values and spoke of feeling unsafe in their neighbourhoods. They complained of garbage, vandalism and attempted break-ins. "When it was announced that the homeless population of Chatham would be relocated to the waterworks facilities, many teams decided they would no longer practice at that location," said John Foster, president of the Chatham Soccer Club. "Many parents are concerned with their children using a facility with such close proximity to possible drug use exposure, drug paraphernalia hazards, lewd behaviour ... including going to the washroom in public fully exposed." But some residents also said they wanted better solutions than to simply move the encampment to another neighbourhood. Larry Hutchins called for increased policing, 24-hour security and regular reports about addressing neighbourhood concerns. Advocates for the homeless, meanwhile, urged residents to view homeless individuals as members of their community who have had to resort to camping in public spaces because of systemic failures to address poverty, mental health issues and addiction. The general manager of Chatham Hope Haven said many of her clients live in the encampment, and they don't like it any more than their neighbours do because they are farther from the services they need for survival. It's absurd to think that moving them will help, Loree Bailey said. "I get being angry," she said. "I'm really angry too. I'm angry at every single system that these folks rely on to live being broken." Priest and soup kitchen volunteer Michael Bolohan urged the community to go beyond managing the housing crisis to experiencing what he called a "conversion of heart." "The ego driven part of us, obsessed with control, comfort and certainty, will always resist the presence of those who disrupt our illusions of safety and prosperity," he said. "Encampments do just that. They confront us with the failure of our systems, fragility of human life, and the lie that success and worth is the same thing."
CTV News
2 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Permanent move or daily dismantling?: Chatham-Kent mulls encampment response
A response to the latest site of a homeless encampment in Chatham-Kent will be the topic of discussion at a meeting on Monday evening. Darrin Canniff, the municipality's mayor, called a special meeting to address growing concerns over the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission property along Grand Avenue. 'While we must show empathy and understanding for those experiencing homelessness, I believe Chatham-Kent Council also has a responsibility to support the safety, well-being, and quality of life for neighbouring residents and businesses,' Canniff posted to social media on Friday. 'Chatham-Kent is one of the only municipalities that has created a protocol to deal with encampments, but I believe it needs to be strengthened to offer further protection for homeowners, businesses, and neighbourhoods.' On June 14, those living in an encampment along the Thames River were forced to relocate to facilitate slope stabilization work along the waterway. Without direction on where they must go, many people ended up at the PUC property. It's been estimated that upwards of 40 tents are pitched at the site ahead of Monday's meeting. Under an encampment protocol developed by the municipality, unhoused individuals cannot shelter within 10 metres of a private property line. A notice of motion Canniff plans to present to council asks for the protocol to be amended to raise the limit to 100 metres. It also calls for individuals to be limited to one tent each, and that all personal items be stored within their tent. 'This is a complex and constantly evolving situation, and I'm committed to continuing efforts until Chatham-Kent develops a solution to end the need for encampments entirely,' Canniff wrote. The mayor's motion further calls for added work to ensure all housing options are exhausted, more bylaw officers are hired to enforce the protocols, and new CCTV cameras are installed at the discretion of the Chatham-Kent Police Service. When encampment residents moved to the PUC property, those living nearby told CTV News they were concerned about how it would impact the neighbourhood. On July 16, Chatham-Kent police issued a reminder to the public that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only, after receiving calls regarding people camped out on the PUC property. A separate notice of motion by Coun. Michael Bondy seeks to have those living in encampments dismantle their tents each morning, with permission to return each night. Since the encampment moved, Bondy said he's been inundated by messages from 'very upset' residents. 'First of all, they weren't notified. There was zero consultation with the residents in that area of town, and, of course, there's many businesses too that are affected,' Bondy told CTV News. Through his motion, bylaw and police officers will have the power to 'remove, seize, and impound' items that are still there during unpermitted hours. Bondy believes his motion 'strikes a balance' between those residing in nearby homes and those in tents. He noted residents feel a sense of 'intimidation' that prevents them from using nearby trails. 'So that would eliminate stuff in these parks during the course of the day, which is when the general public typically uses these things,' Bondy said. 'The motion stipulates that that would be effective, one hour before sundown and up until one hour after sunrise.' Referencing time he spent working at a homeless shelter in London, Bondy noted those using the services would have to leave during the day. 'It gave them like some structure, so they had to sleep at night, and during the day they were out and about,' he explained. The councillor admitted constituents he's spoken with want to see an outright ban rather than a daily limitation. The motions will both go before council at Monday's meeting , which starts at 6 p.m. in council chambers. — with files from CTV's Chris Campbell.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Delhi sees sharp jump in PUC challans this year
The transport department has issued nearly 163,000 Pollution Under Control (PUC) challans in 2025 so far — indicating a more than 300%jump in the monthly average from the past year, data showed. Out of the around 8.2 million active vehicles in the city, nearly 2.6 million do not have a valid PUC certificate. (HT Archive) While the data for the corresponding period in 2024 was not available, a total of 68,000 challans were issued in the entire year. Prior to that too, the number of challans issued remained low -- in 2023, 36,000 challans were issued, 43,500 challans in 2022, and 29500 in 2023. The sharp rise in the number of challans issued so far this year is due to installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, renewed enforcement push and the government's growing reliance on digital tools such as online issuance of PUC challans using API technology linked with the Centre's Vahan database to track and penalise violators, officials said. ANPR cameras have been installed at around 300 fuel stations across the city. 'High-resolution ANPR cameras capture the licence plate details of vehicles when they come for refilling. These details are cross-referenced in real time with the central vehicle database via the mParivahan API to check for valid PUC certification. If a vehicle is found to have an expired or missing PUC certificate, and it is not renewed within one hour of detection, the system automatically triggers the generation of an e-challan. The entire process is managed through a centralised server infrastructure housed at the transport department headquarters, ensuring seamless and automated enforcement,' said an official of the transport department. The vehicle owner is intimated about the PUC challan through a text message on the registered mobile number. Delhi has 966 PUC checking centres, where the tailpipe emission standards of the vehicles can be checked by paying a nominal fee. According to transport department officials, as of January 2025, out of the around 8.2 million active vehicles in the city, nearly 2.6 million do not have a valid PUC certificate, meaning their certificates had either expired or were never issued. Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act makes it mandatory for vehicles to have PUC certificates. The owner of a vehicle plying without a valid PUC certificate is liable to be prosecuted and may be imprisoned for up to three months or fined up to ₹10,000, or both. 'Besides digital intervention, around eight to ten enforcement teams of the transport department are also deployed every day at various locations in the city for carrying out random checks for PUC certificate checks,' said a second department official. A breakdown of online challans and manual challans was not immediately available. According to a recent report by the Delhi government, under the updated PUC certificate regime, emission readings are automatically captured and assessed, removing human discretion and ensuring objectivity. This system ensures only compliant vehicles remain in operation, regardless of age and based on actual emissions being emitted from the vehicle. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said there is a need for stricter emission monitoring of vehicles. 'Strict monitoring of emissions from vehicles on the road is necessary because the vehicles are among the key contributors to Delhi's poor air quality. The government should also ensure that 100% compliance with basic PUC norms also requires credible and properly conducted PUC tests.'
NDTV
3 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
"Pollution Should Be The Criteria": Minister On Old Vehicles' Ban In Delhi
New Delhi: The Delhi government has approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of its 2018 order, which bans diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in the Delhi-NCR region. The petition argues that the age-based ban is outdated and unfairly targets even roadworthy, non-polluting vehicles, hitting middle-class owners the hardest. The plea comes amid growing backlash over the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) July order to stop fuel supply to vehicles that fall under the "end-of-life" category. That order has now been deferred till November 1 after strong public opposition and intervention by the Delhi government. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed the development, saying the situation has changed significantly since 2018. "The situation of 2025 is totally different from 2018, and there are many modern technologies available now. We want to apprise the honourable court, and that's why we have filed the review," Mr Sirsa told NDTV. Mr Sirsa added, "If a vehicle is polluting, it should be banned, regardless of whether it's five years old or fifteen. Pollution should be the criteria, not the age of the vehicle." The petition warns that continuing with the 2018 ruling will lead to even BS-VI compliant vehicles being taken off the roads in the coming years, without scientific justification. It questions why even BS-IV vehicles that pass Pollution Under Control (PUC) tests are being sidelined and calls for decisions to be based on updated emissions data. The government has urged the court to order a comprehensive, scientific study on how older vehicles contribute to pollution, rather than relying on blanket age-based rules. The petition also cited that other countries like Japan, the US, and those in the EU do not ban vehicles solely based on age. Instead, they rely on regular testing and real-time emissions data to decide if a vehicle should remain on the road. The debate has struck a chord with vehicle owners across NCR, many of whom say they've suffered despite owning well-maintained cars. Naresh Malik, a South Delhi resident, shared his ordeal, "I had to sell my Corolla Altis, which had only run 34,000 km in 15 years, at a throwaway price. It was in perfect condition. Today's cars can easily last 2.5 lakh kilometres. Why are we judged just on age?" "If the aim is to reduce pollution, the focus should be on traffic congestion and stricter PUC (Pollution Under Control) checks, not arbitrary rules. I'm hopeful the court will understand the practical concerns of people like us, especially the financial burden we face," he added. The CAQM's July 1 directive to stop refuelling ELV vehicles had triggered widespread public outcry. Minister Sirsa wrote to the commission asking for a pause, and Lt Governor VK Saxena later advised the government to take the matter to the Supreme Court. The case is now listed for hearing on Monday, and its outcome could impact thousands of vehicle owners across the capital region, as well as future national policies on vehicle retirement and pollution control.
India Today
3 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
There's still hope: Delhi's old vehicle ban to be reviewed by Supreme court
In a major development that could reshape how Delhi balances clean-air mandates with evolving vehicle technology, the Supreme Court will hear a crucial plea on July 28 regarding the absurd ban on older petrol and diesel vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region. The hearing comes in light of a petition filed by the Delhi government seeking a review of the court's 2018 order enforcing end-of-life restrictions, particularly on Bharat Stage VI (BS VI)-compliant matter will be heard by a bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, and is expected to explore whether the existing rules, originally designed for older, more so-called polluting vehicles, are still justified in an era of advanced emission norms.A ban rooted in air quality emergencyThe ban traces back to a 2015 order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which prohibited diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from operating in Delhi-NCR. The Supreme Court upheld this directive in 2018, citing public health and environmental protection. Recently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sought to enforce a related measure by halting fuel supply to these 'end-of-life' vehicles from July 1, an order that has now been deferred to November due to public backlash and logistical petition: Science over age In its application, the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government argues that the blanket age-based restriction is 'no longer scientifically or technically justified' in light of significant advancements in vehicle emissions technology, especially with the implementation of BS-VI norms in April 2020. These vehicles emit up to 80% less particulate matter and 70% less nitrogen oxides than BS IV the ban 'disproportionate and impractical,' the government emphasises that many well-maintained BS-IV and BS-VI vehicles with up-to-date Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and limited usage patterns contribute negligibly to overall pollution. The petition stresses that roadworthiness and emissions should be evaluated scientifically, through regular testing mechanisms under the Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, rather than being dictated by arbitrary age on the publicThe Delhi government warns that the current ban disproportionately affects middle- and lower-income groups who rely on used vehicles for essential mobility. For many, these vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with emissions standards, yet face de-registration and denied access to fuel purely due to Minister Majinder Singh Sirsa underlined the government's position, stating, 'We need data-backed policy, not blanket bans. Pollution needs to be tackled, yes, but in a way that is fair and scientifically accurate.'Call for a scientific reviewadvertisementThe Delhi government has urged the Supreme Court to direct either the Centre or the CAQM to conduct a comprehensive scientific study to assess the actual environmental benefits of the age-based ban. The petition also highlights that vehicular emissions are only one of many contributors to Delhi's hazardous air quality, alongside stubble burning, industrial pollution, construction dust, and unfavourable weather lies ahead?If the Supreme Court acknowledges the merits of this review plea, it could pave the way for a landmark shift from age-based scrappage policies to more nuanced, emission-centric regulations. Such a move would not only protect cleaner vehicles from premature "death" but also bring India closer to adopting international best practices in pollution control and sustainable outcome of the July 28 hearing will be closely watched by policymakers, environmentalists, automakers, and millions of vehicle owners across Delhi-NCR, potentially setting a national precedent for the future of vehicle regulation in to Auto Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
