The Officer in Charge of West Shore RCMP has released the following statement regarding the public safety concerns associated to the Tent City at Goldstream Park:
On September 19th, 2018 the following calls for service were received:
• At 10:57 hours, a report of a possible attempt break and enter in the 2800 block of Canyon Park Place (just outside Goldstream Provincial Park). Two males approached a neighbour's house and when they realized someone was inside they fled on foot. The complainant believed the males were associated to the homeless campers who had just moved into Goldstream Provincial Park.
• At 16:17 hours, the West Shore Bike Unit arrested a female associated to the homeless campers in Goldstream Provincial Park for an outstanding Warrant of Arrest. The female was subsequently turned over to Saanich Police (holder of Warrant) for a court appearance the following morning.
• Provincial Park Rangers at Goldstream Provincial Park reported a theft of firewood from the park. They also reported that some of the homeless campers had started to disturb the site looking for things to burn. While Officers were on site investigating the Rangers’ complaint, several people from the homeless group began yelling and swearing loudly at the officers. Some of them threw various items around within their own campsite; upset that police were on scene.
• At 18:33 hours, a complainant from the neighbourhood of Goldstream Provincial Park requested that police provide extra patrols as they were concerned for the safety of their children going back and forth to school and possibly coming into contact with the homeless campers. There is no specific incident; the complainant was concerned about the occupants of the campground.
• At approximately 19:15 hours, a stolen vehicle was recovered just outside Goldstream Provincial Park. This vehicle was seized for evidence gathering.
On September 20th, 2018, Provincial Park Rangers reported the following criminal activity within the Goldstream Park campground. These reports came from other campers not associated to the homeless group.
• Theft from other camp sites within the park: such property as chairs, tables and firewood.
• Mischief, damage to park property gate.
• Complaints from other camp users that open drug use was occurring in the public washroom facilities (needle use by subjects believed to be from the homeless group)
• Other campers stating that they felt unsafe while camping due to the large homeless group and the criminal activity that had begun since the group's arrival.
On September 21st, 2018 at approximately 08:30 hours, RCMP members conducted a patrol through the campsite area where the Tent City residents were staying. A foot patrol around the heavily-wooded site area immediately revealed several needles strewn about including the attached photograph of an open needle on the ground near one of the sites.
• Members spoke with camp leader, Ms. Brett and advised her that open drug use and negligence by having open needles around a campground was clearly not acceptable as there could be children or pets sharing this same space. She stated she agreed and her campers had picked up all of the needles at 18:30 hours the night before. She stated she would immediately have others clean up the site and pick up all of the remaining open and unopened needles that they could find.
• Ms. Brett stated "Pacifica Housing" and "Doctors without Borders" have been assisting them.
The West Shore RCMP have spoken with the BC Parks staff and indicated that they (the RCMP) will investigate all criminal matters and complaints concerning the group camp as per normal procedures. However, they would rely on Park staff to enforce the park rules and regulations. The RCMP will assist Park staff as required.
We recognize that past Tent City camps in the region have resulted in an escalation in crime rates and calls for service from the public. I am committed to keeping the West Shore area safe and will increase patrols and police presence to ensure that all citizens are protected.
Inspector Todd Preston
Office in Charge
West Shore RCMP Detachment