Region may seek ‘legal direction’ if Victoria encampment not cleared

By Luke Schulz

After issuing a notice to vacate to residents encamped in the area of Victoria & Weber, the region is now providing further insight into its plans should people refuse to leave the area by the provided deadline. 

That notice issued earlier this month gives those at 100 Victoria Street until 9 a.m. on June 30 to leave the area, while the region has maintained that it continues to work with individuals on the property to transition to shelter or safer, more permanent accomodation. The region has also engaged with outreach partners to ensure those on site are aware of the supports available to them – including those for housing, shelter and health support.

A spokesperson with the region noted that individuals in the encampment have been provided with temporary storage for their belongings to assist with the move from the site. 

While that eviction deadline is set to come due this week, a spokesperson with the region has since confirmed that “regional staff, by-law and police will not be on site, and will not remove people from the encampment on June 30.”

“We expect individuals to comply with the notice to vacate the site on June 30 and we are committed to ensuring the site is vacated in a safe manner.” reads a statement from the region. “If individuals do not comply with the notice to vacate, the Region may need to seek direction from the courts on next steps.”

The decision to see the encampment evicted has sparked outrage in some local residents, leading them to voice their displeasure with the region during a Wednesday night rally in downtown Kitchener. A petition has also been established in support of all local encampments, issuing four calls to action to the Region of Waterloo and affiliated municipalities.

On Wednesday morning, Regional Commissioner of Community Services, Peter Sweeney, will join the Mike Farwell Show as a guest to speak to the ongoing situation. A statement from Sweeney to CityNews 570 reads as followed:

“There will be no enforcement on June 30th. If residents don't leave, the Region has the option to seek further legal direction. We have communicated that to partners and local businesses.”

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