Tents still standing in Victoria Park

There are currently more than 40 occupied tents set up at Roos Island in Victoria Park. 

Initial tents were set up in the area on July 1st to highlight the lack of affordable housing in the region. 

In years past, a number of tents were set up at the Roos Island location each summer but, this year's camp is now in its third month and, it's growing. 

In a report from The Record, the director of bylaw enforcement for City of Kitchener Gloria MacNeil said, due to the high number of tents and residents, bylaw is now referring to the area as an encampment. 

Speaking with CityNews 570, Joseph, a Kitchener man who stays on Roos Island at times, said he doesn't identify with the term “encampment” and finds its use inaccurate for describing the situation. 

“I myself do not identify with that word. Encampment is a wartime word that voices that it is a temporary place to stay [rather than] something like occupation or settlement.”

Joseph added living in tents outdoors and in the park is simply a better alternative for many living rough in the region. 

“There are people here that are comfortable with living differently, living in the outdoors. It''s healthier for them.” 

The city is currently looking at ways to move forward with encamped residents particularly as the months turn colder. 

CityNews 570 has reached out to the City of Kitchener for an interview on the matter.