Approval of additional housing and support resources and a site-specific by-law will allow residents to move to alternative housing and prepare the site for construction.

Waterloo Region – Regional Council has approved a site-specific by-law for 100 Victoria Street in Kitchener, allowing staff to move forward with plans to prepare the site for construction, and offer increased supports to residents as they transition to alternative housing options. 

In development since 2013, the Kitchener Central Transit Hub (KCTH) will serve current and future residents of Waterloo Region. This project will redefine how people connect, commute, and experience Waterloo Region. The transit hub will offer connections to GRT and ION Light Rail, GO Transit (bus and rail), VIA rail, intercity bus, active transportation, car shares, and pedestrian trails. 

The KCTH project is entering a new phase, with construction anticipated to start in the next year. As part of this phase, the Region’s property at 100 Victoria Street North is required by Metrolinx in March 2026. The site-specific by-law requires the site to be vacant by December 1, 2025, to allow enough time for the necessary site preparation. 

The by-law acknowledges those who reside at the site. Region staff have developed a plan to transition residents into alternative housing with an increased allocation of resources and supports.  

The Region of Waterloo has supported residents at the site since December 2021. These supports include connections with outreach staff and Ontario Works caseworkers, regular cleaning and site maintenance, pest control, portable washrooms, lighting, and other health and safety interventions. Security has been provided 24/7 since the Spring of 2022. These services will continue at the site during the transition process. 

Regional staff intend to seek further direction from the Superior Court of Justice in the context of the decision from Justice Valente in Region v. Persons Unknown and to be Ascertained, to the extent feasible and compatible with the anticipated construction schedule.   

Quotes:

“The Kitchener Central Transit Hub is a generational investment in Waterloo Region. A central, easy to access transit hub is essential for a growing community like ours. Once finished, the transit hub will connect residents and visitors to GRT and ION, GO bus and trains, VIA rail, active transportation, and pedestrian trails. Having the site available by March 2026 is the first step in the construction process. We will continue to keep the community informed as this project progresses.”  

- Doug Spooner, acting commissioner of transportation services. 
 

“The Region of Waterloo is committed to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Region staff will continue to work closely with residents at 100 Victoria to create housing plans and make connections to services supporting their health and wellbeing. Additional resources have been allocated to ensure residents are supported during their transition to alternative housing options.”  

- Peter Sweeney, commissioner of community services  
 

“In the context of the decision of Justice Valente in The Regional Municipality of Waterloo v. Persons Unknown and to be Ascertained, Region staff intend to seek further direction from the Superior Court of Justice to the extent this is feasible and compatible with the anticipated construction schedule.”  

- Fiona McCrea, acting regional solicitor 

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