Roos Island in Kitchener's Victoria Park to be closed temporarily as people living there move elsewhere

People won't be able to access Roos Island in Kitchener's Victoria Park and the city says the move is to better support people who are living in the area.

Last summer, an encampment was set up on the island and grew to about 60 tents. It started as part of a protest but also included people experiencing homelessness. Six people are currently living on the island, the city said.

The city said in a release on Wednesday thatthe six people have been offered "one or more interim housing options" and "most have voluntarily accepted an offer and will be moving in the coming days."

The city told CBC News in an email it's not evicting any of the people living on the island.

"To ensure the safety of both individuals on the island and staff during this transition periodand to protect the privacy of people as they prepare to move, a gate has been installed at the Roland Street bridge. Access on and off the island will be managed by third-party security," the city's release said.

The city said it could not confirm which specific shelters the people will be moving to in the coming days.

"Staff will continue to work with any remaining campers to secure alternative housing. New campers will not be allowed to set up on the island or elsewhere in Victoria Park," the city's release said.

When asked what would happen if someone tries to set up a living space in the park, the city said they would take a "respectful, compassionate approach" that would start with a "conversation around identifying alternative options."

"Most individuals voluntarily leave or get connected with outreach or other service partners. It is rare that the city needs take any further measures to enforce our bylaws," Bethany Rowland, a spokesperson for the city, said in an email.

Earlier this spring,the city closed Heritage Bridge, which links Roos Island to Jubilee Drive. That's because the bridge needs to be inspected and repaired over structural concernssuch as wood rot anddeterioration ofbeams. Construction is expected to take place later this spring or summer.

Rowland told CBC News once campers are moved off the island, "maintenance will include clean-up of litter and debris, turf and garden bed remediation, and maintenance of the bandstand."