Kitchener's Better Tent City plans move to Woolwich Township

Kitchener's Better Tent City plans to move to Woolwich Township next month.

Volunteer Jeff Willmer said the project will move to a nearly 22-hectare farm property just off Spitzig Road and north of Highway 7.

The property is owned by the Diocese of Hamilton and was secured through the Better Tent City's affiliation with St. Mary's Parish in downtown Kitchener.

"We can use a portion of the property that's at least 250 metres away from the nearest residence, which we think is a big advantage," said Willmer, adding the Better Tent City space will take up about two hectares.

Willmeralso hopes the agricultural property will open opportunities for residents to grow their own food on-site.

Quick-fix housing

The Better Tent City is made up of people who wereexperiencing homelessnessand now livein tents and small cabins at Lot 42 onArdelt Place. Businessman Ron Doyle,who died of cancer this spring, previously owned Lot 42 and allowed residents to stay overnight last spring as a quick-fix to housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last July, Kitchener city council granted a zoning exemption that allowed the community to stay forone year. The property was sold last month, making it clear the residents would soon have to move.

Willmer said between 35 and 40 residents are expected to move to the new property in Woolwich. He said everyone who movesis expected to get their own cabin. The Better Tent City now has an assigned Ontario Works caseworker, and residents kick in for living expenses withtheir shelter allowance, said Wilmer.

The current residents have to be out of Lot 42 by June 20.

Willmer said most of the nearby neighbours have been receptive, although some have expressed concerns.

Volunteers with the Better Tent City are expected to make a presentation about the move to the Woolwichcouncil committee of the whole Tuesday.