From Sergeant Andy Stuart #171, Bike Section | Community Engagement Division, Saanich Police Department
Tel. 250.475.4321 Cell: 250.883.3765 Fax: 250.475.4752:
Since the middle of August an advocacy group been staging a series of rotating camp-ins to draw attention to homelessness.
They
generally stay in one spot for seven days and then move to another
location. For the last two months they have been to Topaz Park, Beacon
Hill Park, Songhees land beside the Ocean Pointe Resort, Gorge Park,
Hampton Park and most recently three parks in Oak Bay. They have
between 5 – 10 tents and numerous signs outlining the concerns with
governments and public bodies and the lack of response to homelessness.On Tuesday, October 31 it is anticipated they will moved into Gyro Park.
The group are conducting a peaceful political protest, and the history of past locations does not indicate serious criminal or public safety concerns. The police department will continue to monitor the situation and take action if there is evidence of criminality (violence, drug dealing or property offences) or there is risk to public safety (high risk youth staying there, hypodermic needles left around, human feces). Saanich Bylaw 7753 – 14 a) “No person shall camp overnight in or on any portion of any park or on any beach” would be applicable—however, given the circumstances, will not be enforced during the seven day period.
The
purpose of this communication is to ensure the residents of Cadboro Bay
are aware of the anticipated move and the response by the police and
the municipality. The Saanich Police Bike Section will lead the police
response. They will continue to communicate with the group and monitor
the situation at the camp. Any criminal behaviour or public safety
issues will be addressed by the police.We
want to ensure we communicate with our residents and the Cadboro Bay
Residents Association as we strive to ensure the community is safe for
everyone. We will continue to work with our partners at Saanich Parks
and the Municipal Hall to achieve this.Any concerns can be directed to myself at astuart@saanichpolice.ca. An emergency situation should be dealt with as normal by calling 911 or the non-emergency line at 250-475-4321.
