The courtroom discussions regarding the dispute between the Region of Waterloo and the people living in the encampment at 100 Victoria Street in Kitchener concluded on Monday.
After three days of hearing from both sides about whether clearing that encampment would violate the charter rights of its residents, Ontario Superior Court Justice Michael Gibson has decided to take more time before making a ruling.
This means Justice Gibson will review the evidence and arguments presented during the hearings, with a decision expected eventually, but no specific timeline has been set.
The region is looking to clear the area for the development of the Kitchener Central Transit Hub, a $35 million project that was scheduled to start in March.
“Justice Gibson ordered that the injunction he issued in August will continue to run until he makes his decision,” said Ashley Schuitema of Waterloo Region Community Legal Services. “This means that the region’s homeless can continue to use the encampment at 100 Victoria as a space of last resort, without being turned away.”
In April 2025, the Region of Waterloo passed a bylaw aimed at clearing that site, but advocates and legal representatives for those residing there argue that forcing them out for construction purposes infringes on their charter rights.
“We thank Justice Gibson for his time and consideration in hearing this matter,” said the Region of Waterloo in a statement to 570 News Radio. “The region looks forward to receiving the Court’s decision. We continue to support people at the site and connect them to available community supports while awaiting the decision.”
Around 35 individuals lived at the encampment when the region first enacted the bylaw in 2025; however, its population varies over time.
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