City says temporary housing being secured for man living in tents in Kitchener park

If you've gone by the Kitchener Public Library in downtown Kitchener recently, you may have seen a few tents beside it in Civic Centre Park. 

Mark Ashley has been living on the grassy stretch for about two weeks, but that is coming to an end. 

The City of Kitchener has confirmed that on June 3, a notice to vacate was issued to Ashley under the city's parks by-law. It prohibits structures like tents or shelters to be erected in city parks for personal use. 

The city said as of Tuesday afternoon, local service providers were close to securing temporary housing for Ashley. 

It's expected it will be available early next week. “In the meantime, the individual will likely remain in Civic Park, ” said an e-mail statement from a city spokesperson. “As always, homeless individuals and encampments on city property are treated with care, on a case-by-case basis, and with the well-being and safety of the individuals living there in mind.”

They added city staff will work with Ashley to ensure his personal belongings are 'safely moved' when the time comes. 

Ashley spoke with a CityNews 570 reporter on Tuesday and said, “The City of Kitchener's working on finding me a better location; a residence .. a place to live. That's what I need, instead of being evicted all the time.”

Ashley explained he was the first resident to set up a tent at 100 Victoria Street back in December, and that he moved to the park beside the KPL because he thought it would be safer for himself and his dog. 

“We had shade, which we didn't have down there … and the library, the apartment building, the police station, and the regional centre; and just more of a community feeling of safety for myself at night, and that my property might be safe if I wanted to go to the library and do some research.”

Ashely said his dog is 17-years-old and has been a loyal companion during difficult times. 

“She was my brother's dog and I walked her every day. Then he passed away, and I got the dog. She's part of my life. She's been, sadly to say in some sense, she's been the only friend I've really had.”

Ashley said he continues to insist that he and his dog are not separated. 

A statement provided by The City of Kitchener said, “Service providers are aware of the dog and efforts are being made to find alternative housing that will allow them to stay together.”

Eviction notices were issued to those living at the encampment at 100 Victoria Street on Monday.