BC's Premier has given homeless campers in Goldstream Provincial Park a deadline of October 2nd to vacate -- but says government staff are working to provide options in time for the move.
John Horgan says the group must abide by the same rules as any other campers, so they can't stay beyond 2 weeks -- which is next Tuesday.
Horgan confirms the government is working on finding housing or appropriate options for the tent city occupants:
" We're going to work as diligently as we can to find solutions within the 2 week period that people are entitled to be in provincial campsites. And I expect within that 2 week period we will have housing or appropriate options for the people that are currently in the tent city. And that the citizens in my community will be able to access the park again very soon."
Horgan made his comments during a news conference in Vancouver on B.C.'s rental increase.
Meantime -- Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, released a statement asuring that a plan is in place to provide shelter and housing for all homeless campers currently staying at Goldstream Provincial Park.
Robinson says people will begin transitioning into housing and shelters on Monday (Oct 1) and BC Parks will notify the public once the campground is ready to reopen.
The minister says between now and Monday, BC Housing and outreach staff will continue to work to match homeless campers with the right housing for their individual needs, and transportation to the new sites will be provided.
She adds if people choose to remain past the deadline, BC Parks will evict campers in coordination with the RCMP.