The Ministry of Environment has clarified the situation with homeless campers at Goldstream Park Provincial Campground, contradicting previous deadlines for them to leave.
The Ministry now says there is no deadline. A ministry spokesperson was not able to say when campers will need to leave, or if this means they could stay beyond the usual two-week time limit for campers in provincial parks.
This is despite earlier word from BC Parks staff that all campers were to leave Goldstream by 11 this morning, a deadline that already changed when it was extended to tomorrow. A spokesperson with the ministry says that information came from BC Parks staff who had incorrect information.
The ministry says outreach workers will work at Goldstream to connect the campers with housing options and other supports.
This is the latest twist in a rollercoaster day for the homeless campers and local Langford residents.
Last night, RCMP blocked the entrance to the campground and assisted park rangers as they informed everyone that the park was closing at 11 the next morning. When that deadline passed, BC Parks officials then told reporters about a 24 hour extension. Now there's no deadline.
We also hear that tensions on the scene have eased, after earlier this morning RCMP officers had to stand between angry Langford residents and supporters of the homeless campers when a shouting match erupted.
Earlier in the day, a frustrated Langford Mayor Stew Young told C-FAX 1070’s Al Ferraby that he’s received reports of theft, drug-use, and other alleged crimes since homeless campers arrived earlier this week.
The campers moved to Goldstream after Saanich Police moved them out of tent cities near Ravine Way and Regina Park.