Update on Discontent City court hearing

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 18, 2018 4:57 PM

Today the City of Nanaimo concluded a two-day hearing on the merits of its Petition for a permanent, statutory injunction against the occupants of 1 Port Drive.

The Honourable Mr. Justice Skolrood heard submissions from counsel for the City, Troy DeSouza and Jarrett Plonka of Dominion GovLaw LLP, and counsel for some of the named Respondents, Noah Ross of Huntsman Law. As anticipated, the Honourable Mr. Justice Skolrood has chosen to reserve his judgement with a decision and reasons to be provided at a later date.

The court also heard submissions regarding an interim application by the City to ensure compliance with the order of the Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner, Alan Millbank and to obtain the names of all the occupants of 1 Port Drive .

Counsel for the City, Troy DeSouza, was pleased with the decision of the court to order that the occupants comply with Mr. Millbank’s order, stating “The City is satisfied with the court’s validation of the serious fire safety concerns identified by Mr. Millbank and Nanaimo Fire Rescue. The court’s order for fire safety compliance will help ensure the safety of everyone at and near Tent City. Nanaimo Fire Rescue, and in particular, Mr. Millbank, should be commended for their diligent work in identifying and documenting the fire safety concerns at 1 Port Drive which formed the basis of the court’s order”.

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