People at Saanich’s tent city in Regina Park have no intention of leaving if the B.C. Supreme Court approves a request from the municipality to move them along.
“We choose to peacefully resist and say that Canadians have the right to life, similar to Indigenous people who are fighting for rights to clean drinking water in 140-plus reserves across Canada,” said Chrissy Brett, who led the establishment of the camp in May.
“The only other people in Canada who don’t have rights to clean drinking water is every homeless Canadian across this country.”
Brett said at a Wednesday press conference that Camp Namegans, as it is called by residents, “is a peaceful expression of our connection to the land and our culture.”
Ashley Mollison, who supports the encampment through an organization called Alliance Against Displacement, called Saanich’s legal effort — anticipated to be heard the week of Aug. 13 — “a tried-and-failed strategy.”
“For three months, this Indigenous-led tent city has been doing the work of the government to provide home, community and a space of healing for over 90 Indigenous and non-Indigenous people that were previously displaced across Victoria and Saanich,” Mollison said.
“In light of the fact that people have nowhere to go and now they are receiving a displacement notice, Saanich is sending a clear message that they do not care about the lives and the futures of homeless people that live on this land.”
Blair Este, a 55-year-old camp resident, moved into a shelter after being “renovicted” from the suite he shared with his girlfriend. He said shelters often can’t accommodate couples, but he and his girlfriend have been able to stay together at the camp after a year apart.
Resident Mike Innes, 54, homeless despite having a job, pointed out there are a number of older people at the site who simply can’t afford a place to live. “Instead of retiring in their own home, they’re forced to be living in a tent in a campground.”
A tent is better than some other options for homeless people, he said: “Would you prefer us living in your doorway for your business or here safely in a camp?”
Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell said the court order being sought calls for campers to vacate the park based on fire risk and other issues.
“If the court order is granted, then people that are in contravention of that order will be in contravention of the demands of the court,” he said.
Ultimately, the police would have the authority to remove people from the park, Atwell said. “It’s really all up to the folks in the park how they react to that.”
If the court order is granted, there will be a provision to ask campers to vacate the park within 48 hours, he said. “They’re going to have ample time to break things down and to relocate.”
Saanich has 102 parks, including Regina Park, that can be used for temporary overnight camping from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Atwell said the municipality has done its best to show compassion and work with the campers, including installing a hygiene station with washrooms and showers near the municipal hall.
The presence of the camp has raised concerns about property crime and other issues among people living nearby.
