After an Ontario Superior Court Judge decided that the attempt to clear residents from the Victoria Street Encampment in Kitchener was unconstitutional, Premier Doug Ford has expressed his dissatisfaction with this ruling several times.
This reaction follows the court’s decision on Thursday, May 21, when Justice Michael R. Gibson issued an 88-page ruling regarding the regional bylaw.
The bylaw aimed to allow the Region of Waterloo to remove many homeless individuals from the encampment located at 100 Victoria St.
The region argued that the site where people had settled was necessary for building the Kitchener Central Transit Hub, which would include a GO Transit station, bus services, Via Rail access, and more.
“I have a great deal of respect for our judges (in the) Supreme Court, but he comes out with this cockamamie idea that they’re going to hold up transit, so what, for 30 people they’re going to hold up millions and millions of riders, communities and everything, saying you can’t go in there, you can’t touch them?” asked Premier Ford during an unrelated news conference in Sault St. Marie Friday.
“So, guess what, folks; anyone can show up in your backyard. I wish they’d show up in the Judge’s backyard and set up camp.”
He emphasized that the Ontario Superior Court is prioritizing the rights of those affected homeless population over millions of current and future transit users in the area.
Photo of a sign taken at the encampment located at 100 Victoria St. in Kitchener (Waterloo Region Community Legal Services)
Justice Michael Gibson stated that clearing this site would violate Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, rendering it unenforceable.
“They are rights bearers no less entitled than any other Canadian citizens to the full benefits and protections of the Charter,” said Justice Gibson in his decision.
Just days later, Premier Ford took to social media again to continue voicing his opposition against this recent court ruling.
“This court decision is standing in the way of public safety and it’s blocking new transit that Kitchener and Ontario need,” Ford stated.
“It’s a ridiculous decision that needs to be overturned.”
In response, the Region of Waterloo mentioned that it had acknowledged the court’s ruling and would be “reviewing Justice Gibson’s ruling and will determine next steps in the coming days.”
“We remain committed to providing outreach and supports to those experiencing homelessness across the region.”
This court decision is standing in the way of public safety and it’s blocking new transit that Kitchener and Ontario need.
It’s a ridiculous decision that needs to be overturned. https://t. co/VIc Si PDXCU
– Doug Ford (@fordnation) May 24, 2026
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