Waterloo Region proposes bylaw change for Kitchener encampment

Waterloo Region Considers Changes to Encampment Bylaw

The Region of Waterloo is planning to amend a bylaw that could require people living at an encampment on 100 Victoria St. N., in Kitchener, to move by April 1.

The region passed a site-specific bylaw in April 2025, aiming to have the lot vacant by December 1, 2025, as construction of a new transit hub is set to begin this spring.

This bylaw is currently under review by a Kitchener judge, with further hearings scheduled for February 5, 6, and 27.

Proposed Amendments to the Bylaw

The region is proposing the following changes to the original bylaw:

• Defer the vacant possession date to April 1, 2026, meaning people would need to leave the lot by that date.
• Remove the offence provision that allowed fines of up to $5,000 for not leaving the property.
• Establish a transition process to provide alternative accommodations for those living at the encampment.

The transition process includes creating individual housing plans for residents, offering “alternative accommodation, social service supports, transportation, and storage for up to six months.”

Public Input Meeting Scheduled

A public input meeting is set for Wednesday night to discuss the amendments. Lesley Crompton is one of 11 people signed up to speak at the meeting.

Crompton volunteers with individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them access shelters and running a year-round free tax clinic. She plans to raise concerns about finding alternative accommodations for those at the encampment, fearing the solutions may only serve a small group.

“The reality is, come March 31, there will still be individuals living there,” she told CBC News. “There’s not enough shelter space, not enough supportive housing, transitional housing, or deeply affordable housing for these individuals.”

Crompton suggests the region consider another area for a similar encampment.

Concerns About Budget and Homelessness

Benny Skinner will also speak at the meeting. He plans to address the recent approval of an additional $20 million for the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s budget, while basic needs for those experiencing homelessness remain unmet.

“If you didn’t increase their budget by $20 million, all of the human beings who work for that service, they are still going to have salaries, homes, they’re still going to have benefits and still afford their livelihoods,” Skinner said, emphasizing the need for urgent action on homelessness.

Regional Chair’s Commitment

Regional Chair Karen Redman told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo’s The Morning Edition that the region is working with people at the encampment to help them find housing.

“We’re also looking to be very deliberate in how we find better places for people than living unsheltered,” Redman said.

The bylaw is expected to be reviewed by councillors for approval at a special council meeting on Friday.