Thursday, March 28, 2024

Judge rules Tent City must go – will be dismantled by August 8

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B.C. Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson has granted the provincial government an injunction to shut down tent city on the lawn of Victoria’s courthouse.

“I have come to the conclusion that the Encampment is unsafe for those living there and for the neighbouring residents and businesses and cannot be permitted to continue. The residents of the Encampment can no longer remain where they are pending the trial of the plaintiffs’ action against them, and the Encampment must be closed,” Hinkson ruled.

Those at the encampment will have to identify themselves to the B.C. Ministry of Housing so they can be provided a space in one of the city’s shelters. All those remaining will have to leave by August 8th.

“As housing becomes available, and by not later than August 8, 2016, the defendants shall remove all structures, tents, shelters, objects and things owned, constructed, maintained, placed or occupied by them which are located at the Encampment, and otherwise cease to occupy or reside at the Encampment,” Hinkson said.

The decision is a result of deteriorating health and safety conditions, which include an increase in violent and criminal activities according to Hinkson, “There has been a significant and continual increase in calls for service directly related to the Encampment in the past year particularly since March 2016 when calls have doubled to the end of June 17, 2016.”

Hinkson has given tent city dwellers three days to register themselves and identify which possessions are theirs, while the rest will be disposed of.

Housing Minister Rich Coleman’s full statement:

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Victoria Buzz Staffhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Your inside source for Greater Victoria happenings. Established in 2012.

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