Mayor addresses upcoming eviction at Kitchener encampment
Kitchener's mayor addressed the ongoing crisis at the city's biggest encampment on Thursday, including some of the suggestions on how to help residents as the June 30 eviction deadline nears.
That date remains unchanged, but Berry Vrbanovic said he's open to considering interim solutions while the Region of Waterloo works to find permanent housing for those living at the Victoria and Weber Street encampment.
"This is a complex issue," the mayor told CTV News."[It] needs to involve a comprehensive area of services to support the residents in question. That includes mental health supports, medical supports, addiction supports and other issues. Because that's part of what is necessary to make any kind of interim housing solution work."
The region said it is working to find shelter and wraparound services for everyone who will be displaced, and a new 60-bed overnight shelter opened Friday at the former Edith MacIntosh Child Care Centre on Stirling Avenue.
Another idea that has been put forward is a designated area for a sanctioned tent encampment.
"Could this be an option?" asked Vrbanovic. "Potentially, but I think we need to look at the full array of options, and that could include, as we did early in the pandemic, hotels. It could be another 'A Better Tent City' site."
At Wednesday night's meeting, council put forward three priorities.
"First of all, for the Region of Waterloo to investigate and join other municipalities in committing to a rights-based approach to housing," said Vrbanovic. "Secondly, to have staff immediately develop some interim housing solutions for regional residents experiencing homelessness, including those in encampments. And then a longer-term strategy with budget plans to meet the growing homeless issues in our community by the Spring which would include our 2023 budget."
The mayor warned that both the long-term and short-term goals will require funding beyond what the Region of Waterloo can provide.
"Funding will be an issue and making sure our community partners deliver those services, particularly the wraparound services, which are such an integral part of this," Vrbanovic said.
Property taxes that municipalities collect are not meant to fund issues like the one the region is facing, so solving it will require financial help from the provincial and federal governments.
On Wednesday, regional council passed a motion to make an urgent appeal to the upper levels of government.
"For me, this is about supporting some of individuals in our community who [have] had the most complex life experiences that many of us can only imagine," said Vrbanovic. "I think it's important that we take a caring, rights-based approach to this, and one that ensures the overall well-being and outcomes of the individuals in question, together with the broader community, as we identify a path forward."
Vrbanovic's comments come after a large rally and march was held in downtown Kitchener for those living at the encampment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.