Lawyer reacts to region’s decision to not pursue appeal on encampment ruling

The Region of Waterloo announced Thursday that it will not seek an appeal to Justice Michael Valente's decision on the Victoria Street encampment. 

A ruling from Justice Valente was issued in late January, dismissing an injunction application from the Region of Waterloo to allow police to clear the encampment. 

Shannon Down, Executive Director of Waterloo Region Community Legal Services represented encampment residents when they were taken to court earlier in the year, and she said her initial reaction to that information was one of happiness.

“We're really pleased that they won't be pursuing an appeal,” said Down. “We think that the bigger need is to focus on the root causes of homelessness in our region and look at solutions to the current housing and homelessness crisis that we're seeing.”

On Wednesday night, regional council approved a $163-million investment in housing and homelessness, which council hopes will advance the Interim Housing Strategy and lead to an increased shelter capacity. 

Down added that the region is making strides, but it's important that it's not solely shelter space becoming available.

“I think it's a step in the right direction. I don't think it's enough. I think we need to be doing more as a community and increasing shelter beds is great to a certain extent. The shelter system isn't a substitute for housing and it doesn't solve the long-term problems that people have if they are experiencing homelessness and can't move from the shelter bed that they're being provided to affordable housing.”

While Down shared a positive perspective on the region's decision, it appears further legal action isn't completely off the table after all. 

Regional Chair Karen Redman released a statement Thursday afternoon which stated if efforts to connect with encampment residents and offer them shelter spaces are not successful, Regional Council could apply for Justice Valente to rescind his declaration at a future date.