Madam Chair Clarke,

Madam Regional Chair Redman,

Council and Staff

I am delegating today to speak in support of the Interim Housing Solutions report and the recommendation of staff

I support the 4 points outlined as interim housing solutions.  I do not have enough knowledge to express any opinion regarding the order.

I support the indigenous focused approach.  I also note the comments in the Record today from Commissioner Sweeny about needing to learn more, and I believe that is the right approach.

We need to listen to those that are experiencing homelessness and find solutions and a response that is reflective of and tailored to their lived experiences.

I am encouraged to see that encampments have been included through the Hybrid Shelter/Outdoor Model

I believe that encampments must be considered part of the housing continuum.

Camping is a reality that is recognized by all. It’s been happening for decades. We need to bring it out of the darkness, the deep recesses of our community, and into the light.

Communities across our province, our country, and frankly worldwide, as they are trying to confront a housing crisis, are seeing an increase in tenting as an option. For some, the only available option is a tent.

No one wants to see their fellow citizen living in a tent.  It breaks our hearts, but it is a reality.

Just as we feel sad to see someone who is addicted to drugs, and injecting themselves to feed their habit, we recognize that they need help.

We develop safe injection sites so people can use drugs safely.  And they are in an environment that can provide them with services when they are ready for help.

Similarly, we would like to see people live safely

For some that is camps.

The Region has worked hard on this issue.  There have been some missteps. The Region has made good efforts in increasing available supply of affordable housing, but we need to deal with the immediate issues and needs at the other end of the housing continuum as well

We need to find ways for people to camp and tent and live outdoors in a safe environment.

We all recognize that living rough is a reality, we need to focus on living safe.

By providing safe spaces, we also provide access to services, we are in a better position to help our fellow citizens, to access services and progress along the housing continuum to shelters and other options.

And there will be some that will not want to take advantage of the services being offered. However, moving in this direction expands the opportunities for the Region and social agencies to assist more people that are suffering homelessness for a wide variety of reasons.

By recognizing camps as part of the housing continuum, it also gives the Region time and opportunity to make more investments in shelters and other aspects of the housing continuum, to allow people to feel more safe and secure moving through that continuum.

This is also an all hands-on deck issue, and that will require the participation and collaboration with cities. The Region has resources, but the cities have the land.

And we have several recent models to look at, like the Better Tent City model.

Even the Tiny Home Takeout operated through St. Mary’s Church.

I recognize that we will need the provincial and federal governments to assist with funding at some point.  And I know you will continue to advocate for that support with the other levels of government.

But we cannot wait for them. We need to act now. I am confident that they will come on board and see the importance of community investments in this area.

I recently taped an Old Grey Mayors podcast with former Chair Seiling.

We talked about the smoking bylaw brought in by Waterloo Region.  Some of you will remember those fun times.

That was an example of where the Region acted when it was the right thing to do. Other municipalities followed and eventually the Province acted.

I recognize that there is a cost.  And that cost may be borne by the Region of Waterloo.

We showed that we were prepared to step up financially when we increased, by a considerable amount, discretionary benefits.

Let’s get the right plan in place, and then see how we can finance it.

Safety of our neighbours, our fellow residents and citizens is the number one priority for any council.

You are the Public Health Board for the community and you got us through the most difficult times of the pandemic.

I commend the recent comments that I have read from Commissioner Sweeney.

The comments that I have read reflect what I feel is the Waterloo Region way. A compassionate approach to helping out our neighbours.  We are judged by how we help the least among us.

It harkens me back to another politician, with a similar last name, who I greatly admired for his compassion and commitment to our community.

I will just comment on one last thing.

I am somewhat discouraged that the Region took the step of bringing this matter to the courts

It seems inconsistent with the compassionate approach.

It ties up resources in a forum that will provide little or no guidance on how this matter should be dealt with going forward. Other than potentially removing people from their homes, perhaps forcibly.

I believe it causes needless trauma and stress.

It would seem that the efforts and resources would be better spent, working with the cities to find spaces for the campers to live safely.  And to find a solution to the Victoria and Weber area that would allow for some campers and the businesses and neighbours to co-exist.

Just as we have worked to ensure that Consumption and Treatment site can exist in a neighbourhood, we can do the same with Victoria and Weber, and / or other locations.

Thank you for the opportunity to delegate today.