The City of Nanaimo said the majority of occupants at Discontent City are defying a court-imposed fire safety order. File photo.
The City of Nanaimo’s legal counsel will soon be heading to court in an effort to enforce the conditions of a fire safety order against the Discontent City occupants.
A hearing date for the enforcement order has been scheduled for Aug. 13, 2018.
The court-imposed provincial safety order was issued on July 18 and has numerous conditions that have to be met by the tent city occupants. These include ensuring tents are at least one metre apart, removing all open flame lighting and heating from all tents, storing propane tanks properly, removing all combustible materials and removing all tarps placed on all structures.
The city said despite discussions with occupants, fire inspectors have found the majority are not complying with the order. There have also been reports of two fires at the tent city, including one in the porta-potties this past weekend.
According to the city’s release, should the enforcement application be approved, city officials would have the authority to remove any structures, vehicles and objects that are in contravention of the order. It will also allow the city to get assistance from the RCMP to ensure compliance if necessary.
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