23-07-2025
Federal housing advocate asks Waterloo Region to rethink its eviction plan for 100 Victoria
Homeless encampment at 100 Victoria Street in Kitchener, Ont. on May 2, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News)
The Federal Housing Advocate is calling the Region of Waterloo out over its plan to evict people living at the 100 Victoria Street encampment by the end of November.
The open letter, from Marie-Josée Houle, said municipalities like Waterloo Region 'have obligations to respect, protect and fulfill human rights, and to adopt a human rights-based approach to encampments.'
It suggested further engagement with those living in encampments and help with housing.
Victoria Street Encampment Kitchener May 29, 2025
Tents and temporary structures were seen at the Victoria Street encampment in Kitchener, Ont. on May 29, 2025. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News)
The Federal Housing Advocate is an independent, nonpartisan watchdog tasked with addressing inadequate housing and homelessness in Canada. It is an unelected position that does not carry legislative or legal authority.
People have been living on the vacant property, located at the corner of Victoria Street and Weber Street in Kitchener, since early 2022.
A previous eviction attempt by the region was blocked by the courts. The judge said it was a breach of the charter rights, unless the region could provide an adequate housing alternative.
The property is owned by the Region of Waterloo and is needed for the construction of a new transit terminal at the corner of Victoria Street and King Street.
Transit design
A transit hub design for Kitchener-Waterloo (Source: Region of Waterloo)
In a statement, the Region of Waterloo called their engagement with the residents both supportive and accommodating.
'Region staff and partners continue to support residents at the encampment,' it read. 'This includes regular supports provided by outreach staff, connections with Ontario Works caseworkers, providing regular cleaning and maintenance of the site, hiring pest control, portable washrooms, lighting, and other health and safety interventions.'
Homeless encampment at 100 Victoria Street in Kitchener
Homeless encampment at 100 Victoria Street in Kitchener, Ont. on May 2, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News)
The region also said they are actively working to find encampment residents adequate housing options.
'Between April 16 and July 2, 2025, the region supported 13 people off the site. who were residing there prior to April 16, 2025, with an approach consistent with the region's Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.'
The bylaw upholding the November eviction remains in place, but the Region of Waterloo is seeking further direction from the Superior Court of Justice. A hearing has been set for Nov. 19 to Nov. 21.
More to come.
