A court hearing scheduled for next month regarding the Region of Waterloo’s efforts to relocate individuals from an encampment at 100 Victoria St. N. in Kitchener has been postponed until February. This delay is due to the involved parties agreeing to engage in mediation instead of proceeding with the Superior Court hearing.
The encampment at 100 Victoria St. first appeared in early 2022. Attempts to evict individuals from the site were made in the same year; however, a ruling in 2023 by a Kitchener judge stipulated that the region could not evict people unless suitable alternative housing was provided.
In April, the regional council passed a bylaw specific to the 100 Victoria St. N. location to enable the region to clear the area for future use. This move was deemed necessary as Metrolinx plans to elevate tracks for a new transit hub at the intersection of King Street and Victoria Street.
The bylaw prohibits any form of habitation or occupation on the 100 Victoria St. N. site after December 1. A Superior Court hearing was initially set for November 19 to 21 to seek judicial guidance on the bylaw and its enforcement in light of the 2023 court ruling.
Following a court appearance in August before Justice Michael Gibson, it was ruled that enforcement of the bylaw would be on hold until the upcoming Superior Court hearing in November. The mediation process initiated is not expected to impede the progress of the Kitchener transit hub project.
The region continues its efforts to collaborate with encampment residents to identify suitable alternative housing arrangements. Waterloo Region Community Legal Services will be participating in the mediation process and has expressed satisfaction with the region’s willingness to engage in discussions focused on addressing the needs of those residing in the encampment.
The region’s commitment to combating chronic homelessness is underscored by its inclusive approach that considers community input and expert insights. The mediation process is seen as an opportunity to align solutions with human rights principles and charter compliance for individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.