As Kitchener encampment grows, region says enforcement's a 'last resort'

With a tent, sleeping bag and several processions in hand, 21-year-old Swayze makes his way to a vacant lot in downtown Kitchener.

It's what he'll call home for the next little while.

He set up his tent on Tuesday. It's one of a growing number at the corner of Victoria Street N. and Weber Street W. The lot started with one tent earlier this year, but has grown to 15 in the last two weeks.

The encampment is across the street from the Kitchener GO train station, and beside a plaza that is home to several businesses including a cooking studio, hair salon and bakery. 

Wearing a grey jacket and a blue face covering, Swayze swings his black backpack down next to his plot.

"I'm here because I value my peace of mind above everything else. I needed to tent myself. I needed a self-growth journey of living in a tent and enjoying nature," he told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo.

Swayze, which is the musician's stage and chosen name, moved to Kitchener from London six months ago after becoming homeless. He said the encampment has offered him a sense of community. 

"They can help support each other instead of just being … alone," he said.

Across the vacant lot is Mark Ashley's tent. He's been living on the vacant lot at 100 Victoria Street N. since the start of the year. The 56-year-old moved there with his dog, Maribel.

"Everybody's here for their own reasons and their own problems and I can only hope that they get the help they need," Ashley said of the growing community.

Ashley said his new neighbours have maintained a clean space so far and hopes that'll remain the case to avoid eviction.

"We can't always choose where we live, but we can sure choose the mess that we leave and how we can clean up," he said, noting he knows they could be evicted if the site isn't kept tidy.

The region said it's aware of the growing encampment on regionally owned property.

Chris McEvoy, manager of housing policy and homelessness prevention, said staff are working with community partners to support people living there. He said since the encampment has started to grow, several short-term actions were introduced such as more frequent garbage and needle pick up and graffiti cleaning.