Social Development Centre Waterloo Region

Petition: Ask Kitchener Council for a Renoviction By-Law

Renoviction Bylaw Petition Alert (Jan 2025) Renovictions are a massive tool of displacement in Kitchener. They are a tool wielded by landlords, often illegally, to maximize their profits by moving rent-controlled tenants out of their homes. But once these tenants are displaced, they often become exposed to the risk of homelessness as rents elsewhere have skyrocketed beyond their reach. You can help fight this trend - sign our petition asking Kitchener City Council to establish a renoviction by-law.

> Sign the Petition
> Read About Our Tenant Organizing Work in The Record

SDC Office Closed Dec. 23/2024 - Jan. 3/2025

The SDC office will be closed and our team will be taking a break between Monday, December 23, 2024 and Friday, January 3, 2025. We will be back at work the week of Monday, January 6, 2025, but our response times may be a little slower than usual as we catch up after the break and dedicate some time to planning for the year ahead. We wish you well over the next couple of weeks and will see you in the new year.

SDC Stands With Community Groups Against Safer Municipalities Act

SDC is extremely concerned that the Safer Municipalities Act tabled by Premier Ford seeks to punish people for being homeless instead of providing the safeguards and supports they actually need: housing, rent control, income security, and a continuum of mental health and addiction support for those who need it.

We stand with local community groups opposing this legislation, which came after weeks of escalating efforts to criminalize people who are unhoused. Keep reading to learn how you can show your solidarity, and to view a timeline of events surrounding this legislation.

SDC Statement on Opposition to Notwithstanding Clause

SDC is encouraged that a growing group of local Councillors is voicing their opposition to the 15 Ontario mayors requesting the use of the notwithstanding clause, a powerful constitutional tool that can override the Charter-protected rights of unhoused community members living in encampments – and we call on all elected officials in Waterloo Region to join this principled action.

Read media release | See how you can help

SDC Supports Kitchener Councillor's Motion on CTS Sites

Clipped image of SDC Statement Supporting Kitchener City Councillor Chapman's Motion re: CTS Sites SDC fully supports the motion being brought to Kitchener City Council on Monday, September 30, 2024 by Ward 9 Councillor Debbie Chapman in relation to provincial funding for Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) sites. The motion urges the Ford government to continue funding these sites, including the one located at Sanguen Health Centre in downtown Kitchener, beyond the recently announced deadline of March 2025. Want to add your voice to the conversation? Register to delegate at the Council meeting!

Read our statement | Register to delegate

Our 3rd Annual Ride for Refuge is on Oct 5

Will you support SDC in saying, no more action about us without us? Join us on October 5, 2024 (10am - 1pm) for Ride for Refuge, a family-friendly fundraising bike + walk in support of people seeking hope, safety and freedom.

Team up with your friends and family
Pick a route to either bike or walk
Help raise money so we can continue our important work
And join us afterwards for a light meal at SDC

Register, donate, and learn more today!

SDC Statement on Planned Closure of CTS Sites

SDC is deeply concerned about the provincial government's decision to close 10 Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) sites in Ontario, including the CTS located at Sanguen Health Centre in downtown Kitchener. The decision is anti-science, anti-evidence, and yet another way to limit the healthcare options available to Ontarians. We stand in solidarity with all those who are asking Premier Ford and Health Minister Jones to keep CTS sites open across Ontario.

Read media release | See how you can help

We're Hiring! Two Eviction Prevention Workers

Do you have lived experience of housing challenges and/or an eviction? A passion for social justice, tenant rights, and helping people? Strong time management, data collection, and advocacy skills? We'd love for you to join Our Eviction Prevention Team!

We are recruiting for two, full-time Eviction Prevention Peer Support Workers who will be providing support to individuals and families facing an eviction in Kitchener-Waterloo, particularly those who face barriers to accessing services.

If interested, please review the job posting for more details, share in your networks and apply by midnight on September 2, 2024.

We're Hiring! Community Research Coordinator

Do the values of the Social Development Centre (SDC) resonate with you? Come and join our team

We are recruiting for the position of a Community Research Coordinator who will be responsible for developing research projects, setting up a community based research advisory table, and ensuring appropriate community engagement and research ethics for applicable programs.

If interested, please review the job posting for more details and apply by midnight on August 13, 2024.

Ask Council to Pass the Rental Replacement Bylaw

On Monday, June 17 Kitchener City Council will vote on a new rental replacement bylaw prepared by City staff with community input. A rental placement bylaw is an anti-displacement strategy that helps to maintain affordable housing stock and protects buildings and communities from mass displacement. The bylaw places expectations on landlords and building owners to behave ethically - and it empowers municipalities to enforce these expectations. Keep reading to learn how you can help.