Courts Say Prince George Caused Serious Harm to Vulnerable People When They Demolished Parts of a Homeless Camp

For the second time in 5 months, the BC Supreme Court has denied the City of Prince George’s request to tear down a homeless encampment.

They also found that the City inflicted serious harm of vulnerable people when they sent heavy machinery in to dismantle the camp in November.

In October of last year, the City filed a legal bid to have the “Moccasin Flats” camp on an empty lot off Patricia Boulevard removed.

But that request was denied, when the Court ruled that there was not enough shelter spaces to cover the homeless population in the City.

Despite that ruling, just a month later, the City sent in heavy equipment to demolish a number of structures on the lot.

During the legal proceedings, evidence was presented confirming that dozens were still living in the camp at the time, despite the City claiming there were only two.

Ultimately, the Court ruled that, despite City arguments of the contrary, there were still not enough spaces to remove the camp.

They also found the City had breached the previous order by dismantling the structures without court approval.

Those who had their belongings destroyed as a result may now be able to seek compensation from the city.