Residents of Victoria encampment need to be out by June 30: region

Those living at the encampment at 100 Victoria Street in Kitchener have been given notice to vacate the site by 9 a.m. on June 30.

Regional councillor Michael Harris said in the last several weeks, the site has grown and there has been an increase in security incidents. 

“There are 64 tents with approximately 50 individuals at the site and growing; because of that rise in security incidents and calls for service to the Waterloo Regional Police Service — we felt now was the time to act to ensure the safety of the public and those residing at the site.” 

Regional councillor Elizabeth Clarke had previously cited issues like an assault, conflicts, and fires. 

An eviction notice can now be seen at the corner of Victoria Street and Weber Street. A memo sent to area businesses, and obtained by CityNews 570, stated regional bylaw attended the encampment Monday morning and hand-delivered trespassing and prohibited activities notices. 

The email from Kelly-Anne Salerno, Assistant Director of Housing Operations and Administration with the Region of Waterloo, read in part, “Staff will continue to work with individuals on the property to transition them to shelter and/or safer, more permanent accommodation. During the notice period, on-site security has been supplemented and region staff have engaged with the Waterloo Region Police Services Board to communicate the need for enhanced police presence in the area during this period.”

The region said it continues to work with outreach partners to support the individuals at the encampment and connect them with housing, shelter, and health support services.

Sanguen Health Centre is one of the listed resources on the eviction notice posted to the corner of Victoria Street and Weber Street. The sign said those with questions can direct them to Sanguen outreach workers. 

However, in a post on social media late Monday morning, Sanguen said it was not part of any discussion about the eviction order and scheduled a meeting with the region to gain clarity. 

The Region of Waterloo sent a response to CityNews 570 on Monday afternoon. It said, “Our outreach partners, Sanguen Health and The Working Centre, were notified by telephone this morning after the notice was posted. Neither partner was involved in the decision or timing to issue notice.”

Jessica Harrison owns The Cake Box, which is located in a plaza beside the encampment.

“Our concern is how the eviction process is going to go, when many [of the residents] don't want to move.” 

Harrison said despite the June 30 eviction date, nearby businesses have been told to brace for a longer timeline.

“The region said it could take weeks because they want to do it in a peaceful way. So as encouraging as finally getting a date is, we have to face the reality that it's probably going to take a lot longer.”

The Region of Waterloo faced backlash in November of 2021 after heavy equipment was brought in to tear down an encampment at Stirling Avenue and Charles Street in Kitchener. 

– With files from Erin Anderson and Brent Cater

An eviction notice is also posted at the corner of Victoria and Weber — “The Region is giving you notice to remove any belongings, tents or structures from the property, and vacate the property by 9 a.m. on June 30th, 2022 and not return to the property thereafter.” pic.twitter.com/yIRBic4TdH

— Erin Anderson (@erinbailey_a) June 6, 2022

The notice at the corner of Victoria/Weber says those who have questions can ask outreach workers from Sanguen Health Centre.

Here is the response from @SanguenOutreach:https://t.co/k0C15wu7AQ

— Erin Anderson (@erinbailey_a) June 6, 2022