Region issues statement on growing encampment in Kitchener

An encampment on the corner of Victoria Street North and Weber Street West in Kitchener has continued to grow over the past few weeks.

It has garnered some attention, after individuals living at a similar encampment were evicted and removed in November 2021 in a move led by regional bylaw, sparking public outrage.

It has also prompted one area business owner to write a letter to the Region of Waterloo, the City of Kitchener, and local media outlets.

The letter, written by Pino Cherubino, who owns Pino’s Salon & Medispa on Victoria Street North, is lengthy, detailed, and provided specific incidents that staff members and customers have witnessed.

The Cherubino's main concern is safety, but also the future success of his business.

In a statement to CityNews 570, Chris McEvoy, the manager of housing policy & homelessness prevention with the region, said the numbers of people becoming homeless due to complex issues like poverty, mental health issues, rising housing costs and the opioid crisis is unprecedented.

“This is a complex problem that has worsened considerably over what has been a very challenging winter, both from the pandemic and the cold weather,” he said. “We are working closely with our community partners as a collaborative and integrated team involving outreach workers, community services, housing, public health, Waterloo Region Police Service and the local municipalities.”

“Outreach teams and many partners are in close contact with the people in the encampment and with the local businesses. We are taking short-term actions to clean up the area and adjoining business plaza including the pick-up of garbage, removal of graffiti, etc.”

“Outreach workers are working closely with those at the site in an effort to ensure they have access to services in an attempt to find alternate solutions.”

Meanwhile, Ruth Cameron, the executive director of ACCKWA (AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and area) is urging local residents to show empathy and compassion.

“If the most that those of us who are housed have to experience is the appearance of others who have very little and are trying to survive, I'd say those of us who are housed are incredibly fortunate,” said Cameron.

“For individuals who have stable income, they are finding it hard to find affordable housing…so I think all of this needs to be taken into account when people express their discomfort or utter lack of regard for those who are un-housed.”

Cameron said there's a widening inequality gap and a commitment to investing in more affordable housing stock is important, as well as affordable rentals, enough rent supplements, and investing in not-for-profit housing that stays not-for-profit housing.

She said we need to invest in housing that works for those experiencing chronic homelessness and may face substantial barriers in maintaining housing, but unfortunately, it won't happen overnight.

“We're going to need to make sure for those people living in encampments, we make it as safe an experience as we possibly can,” added Cameron.

“We need to commit to ensuring our tax dollars are actually used to create appropriate income supports for individuals, and we use the mechanisms available to us to ensure that housing remains within reach.”