Region of Waterloo files court papers to evict Kitchener encampment

The Region of Waterloo has filed court papers to remove the encampment at 100 Victoria St. in Kitchener.

At the beginning of last month, the region set June 30 as eviction day for everyone living at the property.

When that date came and went and no one left, the region took the matter to court.

As part of the process, the court has ordered the region to take extra steps to make sure encampment residents are aware of the process and can find representation.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen, whether we are going to be evicted out of here, we are hoping we are not, we are hoping we can stay here,” said Sean, who has lived at the camp on and off the last two months.

The court stated the region must post at least six copies of the paperwork at the campsite and they must personally serve the notice to at least 12 people living on the site and notify Waterloo Region Community Legal Services.

Waterloo Region Community Legal Services told CTV News they’re attempting to organize representation, but admit it’s a big job.

“We’re certainly going to do best to represent any people who want legal representation,” said Shannon Down with Waterloo Region Community Legal Service. “We have limited resources. I will say that I think it’s really important that the people living here have the right to participate in some way whether it’s to self represent or it’s to have representation through legal counsel at court.”

Sean said he has spoken with the Waterloo Region Community Legal Service team.

“Essentially our job is to make sure the court knows what their story is why they are here, why they can’t move and can’t move and why they want to stay here, and why the system has really failed them,” said Down.

Sean said they didn’t tell him much about the process moving forward, just that the legal team has assured him they will be there for him.

He said a guide through the legal process is welcome.

“It helps a lot. I don’t know where I am going next. Everyday I am on my phone looking for a place [to live],” said Sean.

In an emailed statement, the Region of Waterloo said they are following the direction of the court and connecting individuals at the site to community resources to understand the process.

“We are confident that all interested parties will have an opportunity to be heard through the court process,” the Region of Waterloo said in part.