The deadline to evict people living in the encampment at Victoria and Weber streets in Kitchener has come and gone, but most residents on the property say they won’t be moving.
Earlier this month, the Region of Waterloo posted a notice on the site that people living there should vacate by 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 30. As the date approaches, the region announced last week that there will be no police or law enforcement at the camp on eviction day. Instead, if residents don’t leave voluntarily, the region said it will seek direction from the courts.
People at the camp on Thursday told CTV News that about 10 people had packed up and left the site – far from the exodus the region had hoped for.
The numbers actually appear to be growing as demonstrators have joined in to show support for the camp’s residents.
The region estimated there were more than 60 tents and as many people living in the camp at Victoria and Weber streets in Kitchener. (CTV Kitchener)
“I think it’s going to take a little bit more than just giving us a sign that says ‘get out by this date,'” said Jason Paul, who lives at the camp. “They need a plan or a place for us to go. They can’t just literally throw us out on the street.”
Another resident, Steven Taylor, said he plans to stay put as long as he can.
“I have everything here, I have a nice tent. Why would I give up just because someone says ‘hey, this looks bad,’” Taylor said.
Demonstrators who lined Victoria Street outside the camp on Thursday said they don’t plan to stop protesting until every person in the camp is given a home.
“As members of the community, if there is no suitable housing available to these residents, then we feel the encampment should be allowed to remain,” said Melissa Bowman, Waterloo Region Yes in My Backyard organizer.
Protesters hold signs outside the camp at Victoria and Weber Streets in Kitchener on June 30, 2022 (CTV Kitchener)
Last week, a large demonstration in downtown Kitchener demanded the region lift the eviction order.
Another rally is being organized on Friday in Victoria Park.
DISAPPOINTMENTS AND HOPES TO MOVE ON
Meanwhile, those who work in businesses nearby said they were disappointed.
“We were hoping to see them evicted today,” said Audrey Spiker, who works nearby. “The region has done nothing to help us keep our businesses safe. At this stage the safety risk is quite high and we would like to be safe at work.”
Spiker said local businesses have suffered since the camp began.
“This has been going on for too long, all the businesses here understand they need somewhere to go, but this is not the right place,” Spiker said.
Jason Paul says there needs to be a plan or “somewhere to go” before the residents of the Victoria and Weber Street encampment leave. (CTV Kitchener)
Those who call the camp home also hope to have somewhere else soon.
“Ideally, some type of affordable housing,” Paul said. “For me, even finding a room to rent.”
Paul, who sells his art at the camp, hopes his creations will help him start anew.
“It’s a good little side gig to get a few extra bucks while still waiting to sell that piece that’s going to get the first and last month’s rent,” he said.
REGION NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT
The Region of Waterloo plans to build a transit center on the property. The region previously said that when people started living at the site, they were told they had to move out by the fall, when construction was scheduled to begin.
CTV reached out to the region for an interview or comment Thursday, but they declined both.
The region said it would now involve the courts, saying it was a way for people living in the area to make their case and for others who wished to comment to also get involved.
Exactly when that might happen remains unclear.
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