Debate intensifies over Kitchener encampment bylaw

Public Input on Victoria Street Encampment Bylaw Amendments

Discussions continue about the future of the Victoria Street encampment. Delegates went to the regional headquarters to share their thoughts on proposed amendments to a bylaw that could clear the site.

The original bylaw passed in April 2025 aimed to remove residents from the encampment at 100 Victoria St. in Kitchener by December. The amendments would delay this date to April 1 and remove financial penalties for trespassing afterward.

The public input session allowed residents from the region to express their views on the changes. However, it turned into a broader discussion about the encampment’s future.

Attendance and Opinions

A total of 24 speakers addressed regional councillors, with over 80 people in the audience. Voices from both sides of the debate were present. Some supported the homeless population and the encampment, while others backed the bylaw and its amendments, advocating for the removal of current residents.

Kitchener resident Abe Fehre spoke against the encampment. He stated that the region has done enough for the homeless, as many do not want help, costing taxpayers money. “Look, I appreciate the need for compassion, but at what point is it enough? As a taxpayer, I say we’re well beyond that point. We need action,” Fehre said.

Fehre added that those offered assistance should meet stricter conditions. “I see no conditions of sobriety required to qualify for this seemingly endless offer of housing. This is an open-ended financial commitment,” he said.

Responses from Councillors and Residents

Councillor Doug Craig responded to Fehre, saying it was a viewpoint the public needed to hear. He noted that everyone wants a solution, but there are different perspectives.

Many attendees were concerned about the region’s plans to clear the encampment. Kitchener resident Laura Coakley highlighted the lack of emergency shelter beds, stating, “The total of all of those emergency shelters in Waterloo Region is 353. If you say that they have somewhere to go, it’s important to know that a lot of the time they don’t.”

Some residents criticized the councillors, claiming the bylaw violates basic human rights. Laura Mosher from Kitchener said, “Tweaking a few words to an ill-conceived bylaw doesn’t solve the fundamental problem of trust.”

Frustration and Tensions at the Meeting

Ryan Murdock, another Kitchener resident, urged councillors to focus on affordable housing. “Stop this charade, stop this farce, and focus on getting people affordable housing,” he said.

Councillor Doug Craig expressed frustration over the insults directed at the council. “This kind of insult and ridicule has got to stop,” he said.

Tensions rose during the meeting, with one individual exceeding their speaking time, leading to security intervention. Another delegate suggested Craig appeared to be falling asleep, prompting Craig to respond, “We’re here to listen and to try to do the very best we can.”

Next Steps for Councillors

The meeting lasted over two hours. Councillors will now prepare to discuss the proposed amendments. They are expected to debate and vote on the motion at their next meeting on Friday, January 9.