Kitchener-Waterloo

Police investigate fatal weekend shooting at tiny home community A Better Tent City in Kitchener

Waterloo regional police have released a photo of a man they say is the suspect in a fatal shooting in Kitchener on Saturday afternoon at the tiny home community of A Better Tent City.

Investigators believe shooting was targeted but have released a photo of the suspect

Police photo of a shooting suspect
Police have released a photo of a suspect they say is connected to a fatal shooting in Kitchener on Saturday. (Waterloo Regional Police Service)

Waterloo regional police continue to investigate a fatal shooting in Kitchener on Saturday afternoon.

Police were called to the tiny home community A Better Tent City, in the area of Ottawa Street N. and Homer Watson Boulevard, around 4 p.m., for reports of gunshots fired. 

When officers arrived, they found a man with a gunshot wound. 

The 39-year old man was taken to an out-of-region hospital where he was later pronounced dead. 

Investigators say they believe this was a targeted incident. 

The suspect is described as a male wearing a black coat, light coloured pants, and black shoes. 

A Better Tent City statement 

A Better Tent City, located at 49 Ardelt Avenue, provides tiny homes to those experiencing homelessness. In an email statement sent to CBC News, spokesperson Jeff Willmer said A Better Tent City "works at being a peaceful community."

"We are a very close-knit community of residents, staff and volunteers. Saturday's tragic event is quite upsetting to everyone. Our hearts go out to those closest to the victim," the statement said.

a row of tiny homes
A Better Tent City spokesperson said they work at being a peaceful community Saturday's tragic event is upsetting to everyone. (Paula Duhatschek/CBC)

Waterloo Regional Police Services' major crime unit is now investigating.

Officers will be in the area of the shooting scene canvassing for witnesses.  If anyone has information they're asked to reach out to police or crime stoppers.

Second homicide

Saturday's fatal shooting is the second in Waterloo region to happen within three days. 

On Wednesday evening, a man was shot dead in Cambridge and another was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. 

The shooting happened in the area of Lena Crescent and Pamela Lane. 

Police are still investigating and searching for the suspect. 

Saturday's shooting is the fifth local homicide in 2024 and the fourth by gunfire. 

WATCH | Waterloo regional police give update on fatal Cambridge shooting:

Waterloo regional police give update on fatal Cambridge shooting

14 days ago
Duration 0:58
The day after a shooting in Cambridge that left one man dead and another seriously injured, regional police held a media briefing in the complex where the shooting happened. CBC Kitchener-Waterloo's Karis Mapp attended.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karis Mapp

Reporter

After growing up in Waterloo Region, Karis Mapp obtained a diploma from the College of Sports Media. She has since spent time reporting for CityNews 570 and CTV Kitchener. Karis joined CBC K-W in February 2024 and is excited to explore the stories that mean the most to the community. Story ideas can be sent to her at [email protected]