Some people living in an encampment at the corner of Weber and Victoria streets in downtown Kitchener are feeling relieved.
This week, a Kitchener judge decided that the Region of Waterloo cannot evict residents from the encampment, stating that a regional bylaw allowing their removal violates the residents’ Charter of Rights.
“It’s a good feeling for all of us around here,” said Avery Francis, who has been at the encampment for almost three years.
In his ruling, Justice Michael R. Gibson noted that this encampment is currently the only location in the region where individuals facing homelessness can legally set up tents or structures, serving as a refuge of last resort.
The decision sparked strong reactions from Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Friday, who called it “the most ridiculous ruling I’ve ever seen.”
For Francis, this encampment has provided some stability in his life and supports his recovery journey with hopes of finding permanent housing one day.
“I take it day-by-day, one step at a time for the greater of my future and my family’s future,” he said.
“Hopefully the government can give us those resources and puts us in stable housing.”
Tents at the 100 Victoria St. encampment first appeared in late 2021. The number of residents fluctuates with the seasons.
Currently, there are about 30 to 35 tents on site. The region owns this property and claims it needs it ahead of planned construction for the Kitchener Central Transit Hub.
WATCH | Kitchener encampment residents react after court rules they can stay:
‘A good feeling’: Kitchener encampment residents react after court rules they can stay
Residents and advocates are sharing their thoughts after an Ontario judge ruled that those living at a Kitchener encampment can remain there. The decision was made Thursday at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, stating that removing these residents would violate their Charter of Rights. CBC’s Carmen Groleau spoke with residents on Friday.
Vanessa Haines has lived intermittently at the encampment for two years. She expressed her happiness with the court’s decision allowing her and others to stay but emphasized that community support is still necessary for those facing homelessness.
Haines mentioned how living at the encampment has taught her patience and respect for others while helping her overcome her drug addiction.
“I don’t think a lot of people understand addiction and how hard it is to overcome,” she said.
“I hope this gets resolved and people get more of a chance and that people understand what it’s like to be an addict and get more help to overcome it.”
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There are currently between 30 and 35 tents an encampment at the corner of Victoria and Weber streets in Kitchener. Tents at the encampment first went up in late 2021, with resident numbers changing depending on seasonal factors. (Carmen Groleau/CBC)
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‘A good feeling’: Kitchener encampment residents react after court rules they can stay
Residents and advocates are sharing their thoughts after an Ontario judge ruled that those living at a Kitchener encampment can remain there. The decision was made Thursday at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, stating that removing these residents would violate their Charter of Rights. CBC’s Carmen Groleau spoke with residents on Friday.
Vanessa Haines has lived intermittently at the encampment for two years. She expressed her happiness with the court’s decision allowing her and others to stay but emphasized that community support is still necessary for those facing homelessness.
Haines mentioned how living at the encampment has taught her patience and respect for others while helping her overcome her drug addiction.
“I don’t think a lot of people understand addiction and how hard it is to overcome,” she said.
“I hope this gets resolved and people get more of a chance and that people understand what it’s like to be an addict and get more help to overcome it.”
Tenting protocol stabilizes people, advocate says
In his Thursday decision, Gibson stated that if officials provided an alternative legal site or established a tenting protocol similar to those used by London or Thunder Bay, they could ask people to move. This approach would grant residents access to vital services and health care. David Alton from Social Development Centre Waterloo Region has been closely involved with both residents in the encampments as well as local authorities. Alton welcomed the court’s ruling , mentioning that having a tenting protocol could lay down solid foundations for those dealing with homelessness within our community. “It literally means that people have a place where they can legally exist without facing criminalization,” Alton told while walking through Thursday’s camp. “It gives us groundwork for starting stabilizing individuals while connecting them more closely with essential services.” He added that although establishing such protocols won’t completely eliminate homelessness issues , it does provide another way forward. A spokesperson from Region indicated they’re evaluating this recent decision & will determine next steps shortly. “We remain committed towards outreach & support efforts across our region ,” stated representative.Source link
