Festive tradition moves out of Victoria Park, organizers cite safety concerns

An almost 30-year holiday tradition at Victoria Park is on hiatus. 

The Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club confirmed this week that it has scaled back its Christmas Fantasy display, which usually sees festive lights twinkling throughout the downtown park.

Instead, decorated Christmas trailers have been set-up on Gaukel Street to coincide with the Christkindl Market. 

The group cited multiple vandalism incidents last year, recent break-ins to storage trailers, and the homeless encampment in the park for the decision. 

“Unfortunately, due to the situation on Roos Island in Victoria Park and the safety issues surrounding it, we at the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club are scaling back Christmas Fantasy for the 2022 season,” said a statement from the club. “Christmas Fantasy in Victoria Park is something the club takes much pride and enjoyment to set up for the public each year. We are disappointed in the situation and are hopeful we are able to safely and fully set up Christmas Fantasy for the 2023 season.”

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic was asked about the situation while appearing on The Mike Farwell Show on Thursday morning.

“Ensuring that the downtown and the park continues to be the jewel that it is, is a priority for both myself and our council,” said Vrbanovic. 

Tents were initially set-up in the park over the summer as part of an annual, temporary initiative to raise awareness on the lack of affordable housing in the region. However, those living in the tents have stayed put for months and officials started referring to the demonstration as an encampment at the start of September. 

According to the City of Kitchener, outreach workers and staff continue to connect with those living in the park to offer services and supports. 

“Although those camping in Victoria Park may be in violation of some bylaws, we're taking a more holistic and compassionate approach to addressing this situation,” read a post on the city's website, addressing the encampment. “We continue to balance enforcement of the parks bylaw with a human-centred approach that considers both the needs and safety of un-housed individuals, as well as the needs and concerns of other park users.”

The city said that staff and by-law visit the Victoria Park encampment daily to ensure the site is kept clean and disruption to other park users is minimized.