Residents will now have to book appointments in order to attend the ServiceOntario offices in Chatham and Dresden.*
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent issued a media release on Thursday morning regarding an appointment-only system being implemented at the Chatham and Dresden ServiceOntario offices, which came into effect on November 9.
The municipally-operated offices reopened to the public during the summer with COVID-19 protocols in place. Citing consistently long customer wait times at the two offices, municipal officials decided to move to an appointment-based system.
"Focusing on the overall customer experience, we are implementing temporary changes to reduce customer wait times, especially with the approaching inclement weather," read a media release from the municipality. "A scheduled appointment will assure shortened wait times for customers and ensure that customers will receive the service they signed up for that day."
To schedule an appointment, residents can call 311 or (519) 360-1998 or email ck311@chatham-kent.ca.
Scheduled appointments will be validated at the office's entrances by a customer service representative.
*Update:
On November 17, the director of communications for the province's Minister of Government and Consumer Services Lisa Thompson confirmed to Blackburn News that although the ServiceOntario offices in Chatham and Dresden are offering appointments, walk-ins will still be accommodated when possible. Gillian Sloggett said the locations are "not appointment-only". However, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent maintains that the wording is accurate.
Chatham-Kent's director of Customer Services Division Leanne Segeren-Swayze issued an emailed statement on November 18 saying, "We are still appointment only at both Chatham and Dresden Offices, so this remains accurate," adding that "we certainly do try to accommodate anyone that may attend the offices without an appointment. Such accommodations include: offering to serve the customer if an appointment is immediately available or schedule a time for them to return."