Camping bylaw a poor policy decision by council

As a long-time Vallecliffe resident, I am writing to urge you and the council to reconsider the poor decision in allowing transient and homeless camping in Valleycliffe, Dentville, The North Yards or Downtown residential areas.

My concerns are specific to Valleycliffe but I am sure my sentiment is shared by residents of the other affected neighborhoods as well.

Valleycliffe is a densely populated residential area with only two small parks. These parks are directly adjacent to homes and not easily accessible by emergency vehicles. They have no services such as water, septic, electricity or lighting, and are close to sensitive fish bearing streams.

McNaughton Park is the only playground in the area and is very well used throughout the year.

Having worked for a company that provided installation, and removal the temporary shelter on Loggers Lane, I know that several hypodermic needles and other drug paraphernalia was removed from the surrounding area by district staff upon completion of the lease.

Is the district going to take full responsibility if a child or adult comes in contact with a needle in a Valleycliffe park? Will the district do a full sweep daily of the property to ensure everyone’s safety?

Valleycliffe is a sheltered neighborhood away from the necessary services that are often frequented by transient campers and the homeless.

I get the impression the idea is to “help with camping enforcement.” Does allowing transient and homeless to camp in McNaughton and John Hunter Parks really seem like a feasible solution to you?

There is so much excess space in the district that is away from residential housing and closer to amenities: The campground, Loggers Sports grounds, ball fields, business park or the downtown core.

Why would the district even consider using an out-of-the way densely populated neighborhood? I would also like to know if the municipality will provide a full time RCMP patrol to the neighborhood?

Will the municipality take full responsibility if this bylaw does lead to an increase in crime in the neighbourhood ?

Can you ensure there won’t be fires or noise later than 10 pm?

As part of my job, I have dealt with BC Housing, and worked on homeless shelters in Squamish, Richmond, Surrey, Burnaby, Penticton and Kelowna.

The common denominator is that these temporary facilities are fully serviced, fenced and gated with 24-hr staff and security.

Lastly, is it safe to assume that the residents of Valleycliffe will be receiving a tax break on their 2021-2022 property taxes if this decision goes through?

I look forward to hearing the detailed safety and security plan at the May 18th council meeting.

Jeff Russell is a Valleycliffe resident who has worked on homeless shelters in Squamish, Richmond, Surrey, Burnaby, Penticton and Kelowna.