The homeless campers at “InTent City” on Victoria’s courthouse lawn, were served notices on On February 5th, from provincial representatives, asking them to vacate the area by February 25. However some say they plan to stay and a rally is planned later in the day.
According to the Facebook page, the rally is set to start around 4 pm.
Campers are hoping the community will take part and are expecting supporters from the lower mainland, who will be busing over for the day to join them, according to their event posted on Facebook.
“Super InTent City is safety and security for its residents and this extends to the broader community. The temporary and limited offers from the Provincial Government are not enough to meet the needs of ALL members of Super InTent City and we will stand together to say NO to displacement!”
“We do not want to be dispersed into the parks, forests and doorways of the City where we are more isolated and less safe.”
But not all campers are against moving to the new housing being provided by the BC Government. We spoke to Kyle, a resident of Victoria for 23 year and one of the campers:
“I actually think the eviction is a good thing. A lot of people have fought for homelessness and a lot of people are actually dispersing to the options they’ve been given.“
“I knew this was going to happen the whole time, when push comes to shove and there’s an eviction notice and people are going to come in and start ripping down homes, people are going to start leaving. No one would like that. So they’re going to go to the options given.”
Kyle is planning to move into the Choices Transitional Home in View Royal, where he was paid to help set up tents last week.
Cool Aid anticipates moving in 38 residents currently homeless at “InTent City” into Mount Edwards Court on Vancouver Street, between Tuesday and Thursday this week.
Raymond Bailey, who has been living at “InTent City”, was the first to pack his bags today and move into the new housing facility.
Victoria Police released a statement today saying they would not be enforcing the evictions on Thursday, citing there is no legal order:
“Our understanding is that the Provincial Government is seeking voluntary compliance with their request for campers to leave the site by February 25th.”
“We understand that a peaceful event is planned for Thursday at or near the Provincial Courthouse property. Our officers will be present at the rally as necessary, to ensure public safety.”
“If and when a legal court order is in place, we will determine the most appropriate and safest way to give effect to that order.”
