Homeless Told To Move For Own Safety

By Kate Bouey

Oct 26, 2018 | 3:13 PM

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says people living in a homeless encampment at Highway 97 and 48th Avenue could be at risk when snow plows begin operating this winter.

The ministry met with campers October 19th and posted a notice asking them to leave by Thursday, Oct. 25th.

The ministry issued a statement today stressing that people’s safety is its top priority.

It states:

“Camps in this area are at high risk as winter approaches due to the distance that snow is thrown when cleared by highway plowing. To ensure clarity, ministry staff met with the occupants on site to ensure the intent of the notice was clear.

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“As this encampment is situated on a ministry right-of-way close to a busy highway, we have given the occupants sufficient notice to remove themselves and their property. The notice was provided by ministry staff and RCMP on October 19th, with a removal deadline of noon on October 25th.”

Provincial staff are said to be working with the RCMP and social service providers in Vernon to find suitable housing campers who are willing to sleep inside.

(File photo of homeless camp in Vernon)

by Kate Bouey