Residents of A Better Tent City mourning shooting death of neighbour

The residents of Kitchener’s A Better Tent City are reeling after one of their own was shot and killed in the tiny home community over the weekend.

It was just before 4 p.m. on Saturday, when Waterloo Regional Police were called to 49 Ardelt Ave. in the Homer Watson Boulevard and Weber Street area. A 39-year-old man was found suffering gunshot wounds. He was taken to an out-of-region hospital but died several hours later.

Regional police do not believe this was a random incident and think the man was targeted. His identity has not been released as the investigation is still underway.

It has been a very difficult few days for the residents of A Better Tent City. The man was a well-liked member of the community that has been left devastated by the death.

Nadine Green, Site Coordinator, A Better Tent City, told 570 NewsRadio the man had been working hard to get himself back on the right path.

“He waited and he got a home. He was grateful, he was happy, he had a job here. He had a girlfriend and his house. His life had turned around. And, it’s just pretty sad.”

Although there have been reports of violence at A Better Tent City before, nothing to this magnitude. Green says despite this recent incident, she and her neighbours will not be driven from their homes.

“Someone from outside our community had called and asked if I was going to stay. I said ‘Of course.’ All of the staff members here are staying. All the residents are staying. Since the incident, nobody has said ‘Oh, I want out of here.’ We’re all here and we want to be here.”

Green said that the community has rallied around one another for support but there are a few ways people can help.

First is through monetary donations, or something more tangible, the community is always in need of blankets and warm clothing like coats, hats and mitts. They could also use items like cutlery, dishes and cups.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Major Crime Unit at 519-570-9777, extension 8191.

Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.