Three individuals charged following Roos Island demonstration

Three Kitchener residents are now facing several charges following an altercation at a demonstration in Victoria Park last month.

It was on April 27 when a group of roughly 40 demonstrators gathered in the area of the Roland Street bridge in Victoria Park, calling for better access to housing for those experiencing homelessness.

Just a day earlier, access to Roos Island in the park had been blocked – with City of Kitchener staff expressing safety and privacy concerns for the small encampment community on the island, as well as a desire to restore the island to its intended use as a public space.

Residents encamped on Roos Island were offered access to interim housing options.

During the planned protest around 11:30 a.m., police allege that three protesters gained access to the Roland Street bridge through a gate placed by City of Kitchener staff to manage access to the island.

A peace officer on scene sustained a minor physical injury as a result of the interaction.

As a result of a subsequent police investigation, a 43-year-old man, 25-year-old woman and 34-year-old woman have charged with the following:

• Forcible Entry
• Assault a Peace Officer
• Mischief – Interfere with lawful use, enjoyment, or operation of property.

All three of those individuals are said to be Kitchener residents.