Takeover of A Better Tent City could cost millions

CTV’s Jeff Pickel takes a look at a report going before regional council that outlines the cost of taking over A Better Tent City.

The Region of Waterloo is getting a better idea of how much it will cost to take over a tiny home community in Kitchener.

A staff report coming before regional council at a special meeting on Wednesday said the region can expect to pay $2.56 million this year to operate A Better Tent City (ABTC) on Erbs Road.

And that cost is only expected to increase.

“It is estimated that annual operating costs to operate this site, as well as person and system stabilization costs, will be $5.76 million. The incremental levy impact will be $2.44 million in 2026 and $2.96 million in 2027,” the report said.

Staff calculated $2.9 million is needed to properly operate and staff the site, as well as $2.8 million to ensure supports are available for visitors and other people who stop by the site. That $2.8 million would be used to expand access to low-barrier drop-in spaces and hire three full-time employees to help visitors find appropriate spaces to stay.

“Intended capacity of the site is based on the 42 cabins being accommodated by residents; however, the site is often occupied by twice that many visitors at any given time, creating operational and community-wide challenges,” the report said.

The region also warned an additional $2.5 million may also be required this year.

“A key immediate capital need are the ABTC cabins, which have been identified as needing significant capital repairs and/or replacement. During this time, temporary relocation of individuals may be necessary. Additionally, several site improvements have been identified specific to common and shared spaces to allow for a safer environment for both guests and staff,” the report stated.

That funding is expected to come from the Homelessness Prevention Reserve.

The document also acknowledged the transition could be challenging for the people who call ABTC home.

“The introduction of new staff teams, operating procedures and service expectations may create uncertainty and adjustment challenges. Recognizing that the site was never and is not intended to be used as a long-term formalized Emergency Shelter, there are site-specific risks that have been identified during the initial transition period including capital investment and long-term considerations,” the report said.

To try and lessen the impact, the report recommended proactive communication and engagement with residents, creating individualized housing-focused support plans and working with service providers to help guide residents through the process.

The volunteer-led organization behind ABTC announced its plan to dissolve in May, citing the loss of several people on the operational leadership team. Regional representatives said the Working Centre had agreed to step in to provide operational support at the site until July 20 while the region assessed the situation at ABTC.

ABTC Co-founder skeptical about regional take over

ABTC Co-Founder Nadine Green has been the on-site coordinator living at the community for the past six years.

She is worried the region will eliminate the open door policy of ABTC.

“How we do things here at A Better Tent City, we are kind of like the emergency room ... a drop-in center, where people can come in and get help, you don’t need to call anyone, they come and get help.” said Green.

Green says ABTC has a far more relaxed view on rules and oversight compared to government-run shelters.

She said it’s a system that has worked well for a group of people dealing with a large number of complex issues.

“That’s what makes it work, and that’s what makes it work for so long, because we’re not government run and we can help a lot of people, not to say that the government is not helping, but their model is different,” said Green.

As part of the regional take over, Green would be out of job and would no longer be able to live on site. Green said she was told if she wanted to work for the new organization, she would have to apply.

Green said she has no interest in working for ABTC if she was told to turn people away.

“I would never apply for a job to work here, because I know that if somebody comes in and they want to be let in, I’m going to have to tell them they can’t come in, and that’s going to traumatize me,” said Green.