Fencing has been built around the growing encampment at 150 Main St. in Cambridge.
The Region of Waterloo who owns the property has decided to fence off the camp for the safety of those living there.
“With this in mind, we have installed temporary, protective fencing between the parking lot and those individuals currently at the site,” said Peter Sweeney, commissioner of community services in a statement provided to CambridgeToday.
The fence is intended to act as a protective barrier between those living inside the camp and the cars in the parking lot.
“We continue to work with individuals to help them transition off this site and into safer accommodations and housing.
Sweeney and his team of Ontario Works caseworkers and funded outreach partners have been visiting the site, attempting to meet with each individual. They want to understand their unique needs in order to connect them with support services which include offers of shelter.
“We know from our work across the region that individuals experiencing un-sheltered homelessness often have complex needs stemming from significant trauma, mental illness and addictions,” Sweeney said.
The camp is made up of over a dozen tents now with more than 20 people living on site. Most of the residents of the camp have recently moved from the property next door to 150 Main St., which is privately owned.
The owner of the property, 50 Shade Street Investments has proposed two 18-storey condominiums for the lot. Building permits have not been issued for the site yet.
Sweeney and the region are continuing their support for those living in the encampment, along with their outreach partners.
“Our focus at this point in the process remains to connect people with services and to encourage them to accept safer housing options as quickly as possible,” added Sweeney.
