The province is implementing measures to dismantle an encampment at Highway 97 and Fairview Road in Penticton, B.C.
“Residents have been informed they must vacate the premises by the end of the day,” said BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon on Wednesday.
Outreach workers have been present for several days to assist individuals with accessing available support services. Mayor of Penticton, Julius Bloomfield, noted that the situation seems to be progressing smoothly.
“It’s going quite well — relatively calm,” Bloomfield remarked. “I visited the site, and from a distance, it appeared to be peaceful.”
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Eviction notices were handed out about a week earlier, but the ministry assures that those relocating from the encampment will have support. Kahlon announced that 12 shelter spaces are now available at a local facility, along with 40 rent supplements provided by the province to assist individuals in finding housing in the market.
“We have a variety of individuals — some are close to securing funds for housing and require just a little assistance. We’re offering that help,” he stated.
Long-term solutions are still being developed, with ongoing discussions taking place with local First Nations, the mayor, and the city council.
While the land where the encampment is situated falls outside of Penticton’s authority, the city is actively involved.
“We are keeping a close watch, as it’s adjacent to our city,” Bloomfield added.
Both the province and the city have declared the site to be unsafe — not only for the public but also for those residing there. Measures are being taken to prevent the camp from resurfacing in the future.
“We have secured that site. Individuals will not be permitted to return because of the fencing,” Kahlon confirmed. “Remediation work will occur, as it is an ecologically sensitive area, and on-site construction will take place for several months.”
While the area is expected to be cleared soon, officials state there will be some leeway for those who still have nowhere to go.
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