Courts will decide future of Kitchener encampment
As eviction day at a downtown Kitchener encampment looms, the region is doubling down that no one will be forcibly removed from the site on June 30 – the date it has said everyone living there must leave by.
Instead, it’s asking the courts to decide what should happen next at 100 Victoria Street.
On Friday, the region told CTV News no police or bylaw officers would be on-site to remove people on eviction day. The region has said there are more than 60 tents on the property.
On Monday, it issued a media release reiterating its position.
“The region will seek direction from the court on next steps if there is no voluntary compliance to vacate the encampment at 100 Victoria Street on or before June 30,” the release said in part.
Solicitor for the Region of Waterloo, Jeff Schelling confirmed to CTV News the region has the authority to evict people from the site without going before a judge.
But, Schelling said, the courts will provide a fair and transparent process where everyone can be heard.
“[It’s] an opportunity for individuals living on the site to have their case put forward and the court to weigh all aspects of this and to include all other interested parties should they wish to have a voice,” said Schelling. “At the end of the day, the court will issue directions.”
As for how long it could take before those directions are issued, Schelling said it will be “certainly not less than weeks.”
“It could be longer, depending on the time the court wishes to permit for representation,” he continued.
Last week, a large rally marched past the camp in support of people living at the site. Organizers are asking the region to throw out the eviction notice, or provide space for a sanctioned camp.
As of Monday, the eviction order is still in place, even if the willingness to enforce it is now on hold.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.