District of Squamish staff is recommending council support a motion to close the municipal campground for the fall and winter.
It would mean those living there at a subsided rate would have to leave.
The municipal campground usually closes during this time because the water service and drainage infrastructure are not able to operate in cold weather.
Winterzing the campgrounds would cost $50,000.
This summer, district introduced a temporary program that allowed monthly use of the Municipal Campground for a reduced rate of $200 per month.
This, the district says, enabled the safe relocation of some of Squamish’s vulnerable residents from residential streets and parking lots, while increasing access to services and supports.
The 35-site Municipal Campground is currently nearly full with monthly bookings.
According to the report, parks staff have faced challenges with some campground residents who displayed inappropriate behavior, leading to call to police and evictions.
Working in the campground also requires social management skills, which are not present in the long run in the Parks Department, the report notes.
If the council closes the campground, the district staff will guide those living in the campground about other possible accommodations and connect them with local social support groups.
Jude Goodwin says
Hmm so kick the Vans out of the campground. Did the bylaw banning vans from the city streets go through? I’m expecting there’ll be a lot of campers on the streets. Might need to install some porta-potties and wash stations.
Donald Patrick says
I have to winterize my property and look after snow removal at my cost …. are there different strokes for different citizens ?. Notice an accumulation of RV’s and others parked on Pioneer or at the North end of the Industrial Park getting ready to organize and take their chunk of the District…. make it comfortable and they will come ….. would be different if the so-called unfortunate people would partake as volunteers in some of the regular maintenance costs that the tax payer is picking up … this appears to be the MO year after year while the dogooders get those rosy feeling by handing out services and other good deeds.