A date has been set for the expulsion of residents of the homeless camp on Victoria Street in downtown Kitchener.
The Waterloo region announced on Monday that people living on the site have until June 30 to leave the property, citing security concerns as a reason for the eviction.
The announcement, published at the camp on Monday morning, surprised residents.
“They didn’t tell us anything, they didn’t mention we were evicted, they didn’t hand out any documents,” said Amanda, who lives at the site.
The region said the camp has grown rapidly over the past few weeks and now has more than 50 tents.
“This site in particular has become dangerous in recent times,” said Mike Harris, a waterlord. “This was at high risk for the safety of the people in the camp and for the neighbors and businesses in the area, the region has taken action to notify.”
Harris said the region is working with residents to help them find a place to go, including local shelters, but acknowledged that if they do not go to shelters, it is unclear where they will live.
“I don’t know exactly where they will end up, we hope they will accept our offer to enter the shelter system,” Harris said.
People living in the camp said they would probably not enter the shelters and were not sure what would happen to them.
Residents of the camp had previously told CTV News that they preferred to sleep roughly in front of shelters for a variety of reasons, including being able to stay with pets or partners and take care of personal belongings.
“Some of us may end up moving to another site like this, if possible, or I know a lot of people will probably just camp somewhere else,” said Jason, who lives at the site.
Many residents said the Victoria Street camp is not always safe, but it is better than many of the alternatives.
“They should be able to stay here,” said Rebecca, whose family lives in the camp. “I think they should be able to live their lives here at least until winter.
The region said that when the day of the expulsion came, they were confident it would be peaceful.
“I believe that our regional officials and community partners and all those who participate in this site, supporting these people, will want a peaceful solution,” Harris said.
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