Court Orders Charles Hoey Park Encampment to Vacate

Duncan, BC – Today, the Supreme Court of British Columbia has issued an injunction to remove the unlawful campers from Charles Hoey Park. The campers must vacate the park by 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 20, 2017.

The encampment was originally established in the park on March 31, 2017 as a temporary protest to advocate for affordable housing. However, once it became apparent that the campers intended to remain in the park indefinitely, the City requested that the campers vacate the area. When those efforts were rebuffed, the City sought a court injunction to remove the campers.

“The campers are in violation of the City’s Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw,” said Peter de Verteuil, Chief Administrative Officer. “The campers may now be removed if they do not comply with the order of the Justice of the Supreme Court, and the order directs the RCMP to be in attendance to enforce the provisions of the order.”

Warmland House has confirmed that there are enough shelter beds available for all campers who are at Charles Hoey Park. Even those who have previously been asked to leave the shelter due to inappropriate behavior are welcome to return once their behavior is under control.

As previously stated, the City is aware that the lack of affordable housing in the area is an issue. Council will be approaching the Municipality of North Cowichan and Cowichan Tribes to work on a collaborative approach to advocate for funding for social housing in the Cowichan Valley.

View the Supreme Court of British Columbia Injunction.

-30-

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