A group of homeless campers who arrived at a campsite in Goldstream Park late Tuesday afternoon face yet another eviction.
Witnesses say as many as 20 RCMP officers and 6 park rangers arrived around 5:20 p.m., closed the main gate leading to the campsite, and began restricting access to the area.
Camp organizer Chrissy Brett says her group of about 24 people were told that the entire campsite, usually open year-round, was closing and that they would have to pack up and leave by Thursday at 11 a.m.
“It’s happened for the third time in a week, I really don’t understand,” said Brett.
“I would ask all of the ministers and the premier, come and talk to us before a 11 o’clock tomorrow morning.”
Other campers staying at Goldstream Park and not affiliated with homeless group say they were also told they would have to leave Thursday morning.
“I came back on my motorbike, got to the gate, talked to a police officer, and he said they were closing the campground,” said Morgan Van Humbeck.
“Everybody who is legitimately camping here, even if their stay is till a further date, they’re being told that they have to leave tomorrow by eleven.”
The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, responsible for administration of B.C.’s provincial parks, could not provide any explanation for the sudden decision to close the popular campsite, or how long it will be in effect. A statement is expected on Thursday morning.
West Shore RCMP didn’t return calls on Wednesday night.
Photo/Twitter @mlgagnon_XVII
Ben O'Hara
