The Region of Waterloo has lost a court bidfor an injunctionto evict residents of an encampment on municipally owned land at Victoria Street North and Weber Street West in Kitchener.
For almost a year now the Region has been trying to clear the site to build a new central transit hub.
In court documents obtained by CTV on Friday,Justice M. Valente dismisses the region's bid for an injunction,and declines to declare the homeless individuals living in the encampment in breach of a regional by-law.
He also says the region doesn't have enough accessible shelter space for the homeless population.
The ruling reads in part, "The region does not have adequate accessible shelter spaces for its homeless population of some 1100individuals".
Valente goes on to say that the by-law the region has used to enforce encampment orders "… deprives the homeless residents of the Encampment of life, liberty and security of the person in a manner not in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice and is not saved by section 1 of the charter."
In a statement to CTV, Regional Chair Karen Redman says, “We have received this afternoon’s decision of Justice Valente and will consider next steps and the impacts of this decision.Our commitment to supporting those experiencing homelessness continues, as we work to implement innovative and person-centred solutions, including our Interim Housing Solutions and the development of a Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. We want to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible staff and leaders working in the homelessness system and remain concerned about the health and safety of those living in unsanctioned encampments across the region.”
