Three individuals charged following Roos Island demonstration
![Roos Island](https://kitchener.citynews.ca/wp-content/blogs.dir/sites/3/2023/04/26/Roos-Island-1024x768.jpeg)
Posted May 10, 2023 12:53:04 PM.
Last Updated May 10, 2023 03:37:07 PM.
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.