UMVA has learned that a recent court ruling has put a major transit expansion project in Ontario on hold, sparking outrage from Premier Doug Ford. The ruling, handed down by Ontario Court Justice Michael R. Gibson, bars Waterloo Region from removing residents living in a homeless encampment in Kitchener.
The encampment, located on the corner of Victoria and Weber St. in downtown Kitchener, is currently the only place in the region where people experiencing homelessness can legally set up a tent or structure. According to information obtained by UMVA, the region owns the property and needs it for the construction of the Kitchener Central Transit Hub, a project slated for completion in late 2029 or early 2030.
Ford was vocal in his criticism of the judge's decision, calling it "a joke," "cockamamie," and "the most ridiculous ruling I have ever seen." He made these comments during a press conference in Sault Ste. Marie, where he announced a $306 million investment by global steel manufacturer Tenaris.
The judge's 88-page decision emphasizes that the encampment serves as a "safety valve" for the region's homeless population, providing a refuge of last resort. While acknowledging the importance of the transit hub project, Gibson argued that Waterloo Region could still complete the project while respecting the rights of encampment residents.
Ford, however, seemed unwilling to consider the judge's nuanced approach. Instead, he suggested that the residents of the encampment should be housed at the judge's residence, saying "I wish they would show up in this judge's backyard and set up camp." He went on to express frustration with the court's decision-making, stating that it's "the craziest thing I have ever heard."
Metrolinx construction crews are planning to raise the train tracks next month in advance of the new transit hub. The project aims to create a major transportation hub at King St. W. and Victoria St. N., but the encampment's presence has complicated the plans.
