Information bulletin
For immediate release 

 

Saanich, BC – On Thursday, July 12, 2018 on behalf of the District of Saanich, Saanich Police issued a Notice to Cease Occupation to the occupants of the Regina Park encampment with the expectation of immediate compliance. 

The Notice to Cease Occupation outlines the following requirements: 

• People experiencing homelessness may take temporary overnight refuge in Regina Park and erect and occupy a temporary shelter within Regina Park between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m.

• They may otherwise visit Regina Park between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• They must not occupy or remain in Regina Park on a continuous basis.

• They must not leave their personal belongings in Regina Park on a continuous basis. 

At its July 9 meeting, Saanich Council adopted amendments to the Parks Management and Control Bylaw. The bylaw amendments bring Saanich’s bylaw in line with court decisions around overnight sheltering in parks, including specific times and restricted areas for temporary overnight sheltering. 

A notice to vacate was issued to the encampment on June 8, 2018 along with an order pursuant to the Fire Services Act by the Saanich Fire Department. A subsequent fire inspection order was issued on June 15. A fire order from the Office of the Fire Commissioner was issued to the District of Saanich on June 29. 

For updates and information about the Regina Park encampment and to view the Notice to Cease Occupation and fire inspection order documents, visit saanich.ca/encampment. 

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Media contact:

Megan Catalano
Communications Manager
megan.catalano@saanich.ca
250-475-5494 ext. 3444