City sets expectations for Court-ordered application and Tent City closure

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed October 16, 2018 3:45 PM

Nanaimo City Council voted last night to oppose a further extension of the deadline to close Tent City. In the event the Court extends the deadline for occupants to vacate the tent city, the City seeks conditions to improve public safety and prevent more people from moving onto 1 Port Drive.

Last week, and out of respect for the Court process, Council deferred enforcement to close tent city as Mr. Justice Skolrood wanted to hear the new application filed by the lawyer representing some occupants. This hearing is set for Friday, October 19, at 9 am.

Closure is still Council’s goal. Public safety remains a critical concern at Tent City. Legal counsel for the City will file its response to the application, including detailed conditions, on Wednesday.

“If the Supreme Court is going to allow people to stay at Tent City beyond its own court-ordered deadline, we must find ways to make it safer for everyone, whether they are in tents or living, working or running businesses nearby,” said Mayor Bill McKay.

“City Council continues to hear from businesses and residents in the downtown about the disorder and disruption created by this large encampment on the waterfront," he added. “We also hear a clear message from social service agencies and the minister responsible for BC Housing that people should be allowed to stay at 1 Port Drive until temporary modular housing is delivered and opened in Nanaimo."

BC Housing announced that it would provide 170 units of temporary modular housing in Nanaimo at 250 Terminal Avenue and on an available portion of the City’s public works yard on Labieux Road. BC Housing has not provided a date as to when such housing will become available.

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