Future unclear for 14-year resident of Cambridge encampment asked to leave
A woman who has been living at an encampment for more than a decade could soon have a roof over her head.
“The one thing I’ll really, really miss is all the nature that’s out here,” said Christine Woodley.
Woodley said she has been living in a tent on a property in Cambridge near Hespeler Road and Highway 401 for the past 14 years, but could soon be moving indoors with her partner Sid and her dog Rosco.
“I know it’s going to take me a while to adjust because I’m so used to being outdoors,” said Woodley.
Woodley said agencies like the Cambridge Food Bank have been helping her find another living arrangement, like at a hotel ahead of an impending eviction.
PROPERTY OWNER REPLIES
TC Energy, the company that owns the property where the encampment is set up, said those living on site are trespassing and were asked to leave by June 2.
With the deadline passed, Woodley is nervous about what’s to come.
“It’s been stressing me out,” she said. “I haven’t been sleeping because I’m worried that they’re going to tear stuff down and force us to leave.”
Woodley estimates another six to eight people live on the property.
"We have been collaborating with the City of Cambridge, Waterloo regional police and local agencies to support the relocation of people,” TC Energy said in a statement.
The company added: “we recognize that homelessness is a significant issue… we’ve committed $10,000 to the local food bank.
DETAILS NOT FINALIZED
Dianne McLeod, the executive director for the Cambridge Food Bank, said they can’t comment on this particular situation for privacy reasons. But McLeod said the food bank has been “offering street outreach services for those who are unsheltered in Cambridge for more than 15 years. Our role is to connect people to services that will help end their homelessness.”
Regan Brusse, an anti-poverty advocate, hopes that the housing process for Woodley is true to what she wants.
“We have to keep looking, making sure that the choices that are made, and steps forward are suitable to her desires, her choices and they match what herself and her family are looking for,” said Brusse.
Woodley said details about her relocation aren’t finalized.
While she would be grateful for a hotel room, she said a campsite might be better suited for her family so they can continue living among nature.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.