Premier Ford doubles down on ‘cockamamie’ Kitchener encampment decision

Following an Ontario Superior Court Judge’s ruling that the region’s attempt to clear residents from the Victoria Street Encampment in Kitchener was unconstitutional, Premier Doug Ford has since chimed in on multiple occasions regarding his displeasure with the decision.

It comes following the court decision Thursday, May 21, which saw Justice Michael R. Gibson release his 88-page decision around the regional bylaw.

That bylaw would have allowed the Region of Waterloo to remove dozens of homeless residents from the encampment located at 100 Victoria St.

The region pushed that the area that the local community had settled on was needed for the construction of the Kitchener Central Transit Hub, which would provide a GO Transit station, bus service, Via Rail access, and more.

“I have a great deal of respect for our judges (in the) Supreme Court, but he comes out with this cockamamie idea that they’re going to hold up transit, so what, for 30 people they’re going to hold up millions and millions of riders, communities and everything, saying you can’t go in there, you can’t touch them?” asked Premier Ford during an unrelated news conference in Sault St. Marie Friday.

“So, guess what, folks; anyone can show up in your backyard. I wish they’d show up in the Judge’s backyard and set up camp.”

He pressed that the Ontario Superior Court is holding the rights and privileges of the impacted homeless population ahead of the millions of current and future transit riders in the area.

Justice Michael Gibson said the regional bylaw to clear the site would violate Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, making it unenforceable.

“They are rights bearers no less entitled than any other Canadian citizens to the full benefits and protections of the Charter,” said Justice Gibson in his decision.

Now, days later, the Premier has posted to social media, continuing his push against the recent court ruling.

“This court decision is standing in the way of public safety and it’s blocking new transit that Kitchener and Ontario need,” Ford stated.

“It’s a ridiculous decision that needs to be overturned.”

In a statement, the Region of Waterloo said that it had received the court’s decision, saying it’s “reviewing Justice Gibson’s ruling and will determine next steps in the coming days.”

“We remain committed to providing outreach and supports to those experiencing homelessness across the region.”