Region of Waterloo buys emergency shelter in downtown Kitchener [Video]

Emergency shelter supports will continue in downtown Kitchener as the Region of Waterloo has agreed to buy a YW Kitchener-Waterloo property.

The Region of Waterloo approved the purchase of 84 Frederick St., across the street from the Waterloo Region Courthouse. Currently, the building operates as a shelter for women and non-binary people.

YW Kitchener-Waterloo owns the building and the deal is expected to be finalized as of July 1.

“The purchase of 84 Frederick Street ensures we maintain flexibility in responding to the need for increased housing supports across the board. This is an investment in our future,” Regional Chair Karen Redman said in a press release.

The region plans to continue operating the facility as a shelter.

YW Kitchener-Waterloo said they were approached by the region as they began to explore plans to sell the building as part of their plans to revamp some of their services.

“We decided …