Roos Island in Victoria Park blocked off as tented residents are being prepared to move
Posted Apr 26, 2023 10:32:15 AM.
Last Updated Apr 26, 2023 03:05:13 PM.
A gate is up and security has been called in on Roos Island in Victoria Park.
This as the city and service providers work to transition the current six residents at the encampment to alternative housing.
Citing safety and privacy concerns, gates have been installed at the Roland Street bridge with third-party security managing the area.
The City of Kitchener has closed access to Roos Island with some exceptions. A handful of tents remain on the island, and the city says those living there will be moving in the coming days. @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/kYXDuWQNOI
— Jonathan Strom (@jonathan_strom) April 26, 2023
Staff say most of the residents have accepted an interim housing option and will be moving in the coming days.
They note, new campers will not be allowed to set up on the island or elsewhere in Victoria Park, as they look to return to the island as its “intended use as a public space.”
The encampment started as a housing demonstration in July, 2022. There was also a dispute in January 2023 when the city issued removal notices for some tents it said were vacant and abandoned, which sparked a rally in support of those living there.
Over the next few months, Roos Island and the Heritage Bridge are undergoing maintenance, and are expected to reopen in a phased-in approach, this summer.
The long-awaited opening of the regionally-owned hybrid outdoor shelter at 1001 Erbs road is also expected in the coming days
