A major infrastructure project in Waterloo Region will soon displace dozens of people living at one of Kitchener’s largest encampments.
The Kitchener Central Transit Hub (KCTH), set to be a key part of the region’s future transportation network, is preparing for significant construction activity over the next year. Metrolinx has notified the Region of Waterloo that work at the site—located at 100 Victoria Street North—will begin in March 2026.
In preparation, the region has told the roughly 35 residents currently living at the encampment that they must vacate the area by December 1, 2025, allowing crews time to get the site ready for construction.
To enforce the move, regional staff have proposed a site-specific bylaw that would make it illegal to live at that location beyond November 30, with violations carrying fines of up to $5,000.
The encampment has been a contentious issue in the past. In 2023, Ontario Superior Court Justice M.J. Valente blocked a regional attempt to dismantle the site, citing a lack of shelter space and ruling that forced evictions would violate residents’ Charter rights. In the newly drafted bylaw, regional staff acknowledge that ruling but note that the situation has since changed—they’ve increased the number of accessible shelter beds and dedicated more resources to housing support.
As part of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, the region has been working closely with residents of the encampment, providing essentials like portable toilets, security, and efforts to maintain safe living conditions. Over the next seven months, staff will be focused on relocating residents into supportive housing or temporary motel accommodations.
“Now that we have a definitive date when the site will no longer be available, we can intensify our efforts,” said Peter Sweeney, Commissioner of Community Services. “We’ll be there on a daily basis, and we’re seeking additional resources from council to support this transition.”
The KCTH is expected to be completed by 2030, offering improved transit access and serving as a central connection point in the region.
Regional council will vote on the proposed bylaw during its meeting on April 23.
