Charles Hoey Park Encampment Removed

Duncan, BC – On Friday, April 21, 2017 the RCMP accompanied City Bylaw Officers to remove the campers from Charles Hoey Park who were in violation of a Court Injunction issued by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

When the campers did not cooperate with the injunction to leave the park by 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 20, 2017, they were given a final notice to vacate the park and remove their possessions. This morning, the RCMP worked collaboratively with the City to enforce the provisions of the order.

Throughout the duration of the encampment, the City maintained regular contact with Warmland House to ensure there are beds available for those campers who wished to relocate to the shelter.

“Charles Hoey Park is a central gathering place,” said Mayor Phil Kent. “While we appreciate the need for more affordable housing in the area, we don’t agree with the campers violating City bylaws and impeding Duncan residents’ use and enjoyment of the park.”

The encampment was originally established in Charles Hoey Park on March 31, 2017 as a temporary protest to advocate for affordable housing. The City repeatedly requested that campers vacate the area. When those efforts were unsuccessful, the City sought an injunction against the campers. The Supreme Court heard the merits of the case on April 18th, 2017 and an injunction was granted to have the campers vacate the park by April 20, 2017. The campers refused to comply with the conditions of the injunction.

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For further information contact:

Phil Kent, Mayor
(250) 746-6126
mayor@duncan.ca

For legal queries contact:

Dominion GovLaw LLP
Attn: Troy DeSouza, Legal Council
250-590-1840
Troy.desouza@govlaw.ca