The campers who have set up a series of tent cities in Greater Victoria are once again settled on land owned by the Ministry of Transportation.
This time, their spot is adjacent to the Patricia Bay Highway and the Saanich municipal complex, including the fire and police stations. Previously, they spent a few days in September on a nearby patch of provincial land off Ravine Way.
While at the Ravine Way site, the campers were issued a trespass notice by the province. It was issued under the Trespass Act and was posted on trees around the camping area.
The tent city residents responded by leaving, with Saanich police on hand.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing said in a statement that the new location “is not a workable or long-term solution for anyone.
“Highway land is not a safe location for camping, and campers will be asked to leave the highway right-of-way.”
Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell said he will be keeping in contact with police about the campers’ situation.
“I’m hoping that some of them take advantage of the shelter beds that are at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.”
The campers have vowed to stay together as a community. They moved to Goldstream Provincial Park and then to private property on West Saanich Road before making their way to their present site on Saturday.
The Saanich police issued a statement Saturday saying that the Ministry of Transportation was contacted right way about the campers’ latest move.
“The Saanich police will continue dialogue with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and provide them with support if/when needed,” police said. “As the encampment is currently on land owned by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the District of Saanich Parks and Management Control bylaw does not apply.”
Police pointed out that there is a hygiene station with washrooms and showers next to municipal hall, along with a storage area. Both were put in in response to the campers’ original location in Regina Park.
About 15 tents were in place Sunday afternoon. A few tents that had originally been pitched in the municipal parking lot were moved to the grass.
“There’s a few people who have yet to get their tents up,” said camp leader Chrissy Brett.
