Bylaw to clear Kitchener encampment could see large revisions

Big changes could be coming to the Region of Waterloo’s bylaw that would clear away the encampment at the site of a major new transit hub.

The region said it needs to clear out the tents and residents at 100 Victoria St. N. to begin work for the Kitchener Central Transit Hub.

Councillors this week will hear a presentation from staff that would push back the date to take over the site, remove the option for trespassing tickets, and provide a written promise to get residents into housing.

According to a staff report coming to a special council meeting on Friday morning, the revised bylaw would push back the possession date for the land to April 1 “to recognize the added time needed to resolve the proceedings before the Superior Court of Justice.”

The bylaw will be before the Superior Court of Justice on Feb. 5, 6, and 27.

The revisions would also drop a provision for the region to use the Trespass to Property Act to remove people from the site and charge them up to $5,000.

It includes “a mandatory written offer” for anyone living at 100 Victoria St. before April 16, 2025 — when the original bylaw was passed — that comes with an “Individual Housing Plan.”

That plan includes “appropriate alternative accommodation, social service supports, transportation and storage for up to six months.”

For anyone who moved into the site after April 16, “the region will offer to bring the person within the region’s housing stability system and endeavour to provide appropriate housing options.”

Residents have the chance on Jan. 5 to learn all about the revisions to the site-specific bylaw.

A public input meeting with regional council is scheduled for Wednesday evening, and a Special Council meeting to discuss the bylaw changes is set for Friday morning.