The moment protesters interrupt regional council meeting
On Wednesday night, multiple protesters entered a Waterloo regional council meeting demanding that the regional council “disband,” following an earlier decision this week to appeal a court ruling that blocked efforts to remove residents from a Kitchener encampment.
The vote on Tuesday saw regional councillors deciding 10-5 in favor of appealing Justice Michael Gibson’s ruling from May, which barred the region from evicting individuals living at an encampment located at 100 Victoria St. N. in downtown Kitchener unless alternative accommodations were provided or a tenting protocol was established.
The region has stated it requires the land occupied by the encampment for its planned construction of the Kitchener Central Transit Hub.
During Tuesday’s meeting, over two dozen speakers urged council members to adopt a tenting protocol.
Following this decision by council, the province announced it would support the region’s appeal. Premier Doug Ford mentioned he would contemplate using the notwithstanding clause to facilitate evictions from the encampment.
In an email statement released on Thursday, the region expressed its respect for “the democratic right of individuals and groups to express their views.”
“Public participation and differing perspectives are an important part of a healthy democracy and council chambers is a place where important community issues are discussed openly,” stated the region.
“At the same time, it is essential that all participants-including members of the public and staff-can engage in these proceedings safely and respectfully. The region is dedicated to maintaining an environment where everyone can be heard while ensuring meetings proceed orderly and follow established procedures.”
Protest outside regional headquarters
Around 50 people braved rainy weather on Wednesday night at regional headquarters on Frederick Street, many holding signs as local group Fight Back K-W organized speeches against the region’s choice to appeal.Acer Bonaparte, one of Fight Back K-W’s organizers said “It shows that they would rather hide the homelessness problem than actually work to solving it.”WATCH | Protesters disagree with region’s decision to appeal court ruling :
Protesters gather in defence of Kitchener encampmentProtesters gathered outside Region of Waterloo’s Administration Headquarters voicing their opposition toward appealing a court decision that prevented removing those living at an encampment at 100 Victoria St. N. in downtown Kitchener. Fight Back KW coordinated this rally.Around 50 people showed up despite rain, carrying signs as speakers shared reasons for opposing what they feel is not an appropriate action by regional authorities.
“It shows that they never really wanted the answer that they got and that they’re upset that they got that answer.”
Erin Dej , an associate professor at Wilfrid Laurier University studying homelessness issues spoke during the rally saying she finds council’s action unacceptable.
“I think that they’re facing an enormous amount of pressure from the province but I also think these are human beings we’re talking about , and I feel like we’re losing sight of those impacted. We need do what’s right for people , not politics ,” she stated.
The region announced plans soon after stating it will file its notice of appeal with Ontario Court Of Appeal within days.
Source link
