Encampments
With increased homelessness in Waterloo region and across Canada, you may notice more encampments in public places across the city.
Learn how the City of Waterloo is working with community partners to address the issue and what we're doing to help.
On this page:
Background
The number of local people experiencing homelessness has grown significantly in recent years.
The Region of Waterloo estimates about 1,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness across the region, including 450 people experiencing chronic homelessness.
This is a complex issue affected by many factors, including:
- a lack of affordable housing
- mental health and trauma
- job loss and poverty
- the opioid crisis and other drug use
Local government response
The Region of Waterloo leads local housing and homelessness services.
This bring together community partners, local municipalities, and the provincial and federal governments to work on this complex issue.
Their work includes:
- running housing and shelter programs
- expanding emergency shelters and transitional housing
The City of Waterloo supports this work by:
- increasing the number of affordable housing units across the city
- responding to encampment issues
Report an encampment issue
If you have a concern about an encampment:
- call 519-747-8785 to report garbage, nuisance concerns or unsafe conditions
- call 519-886-2310 or email sharpscleanup@waterloo.ca to request needle pick-up
- call the police at 519-570-9777 for non-emergency criminal activity
- call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress