Urgent Dismantling of Treehouse Homeless Camp in Vernon Begins

BREAKING: The dismantling of a large homeless encampment featuring a treehouse structure in Vernon, British Columbia, is underway, displacing residents and raising urgent safety concerns. Crews in hazmat suits began the operation earlier today, following a two-week notice issued by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) on October 8, 2023.

This encampment, located near the busy intersection of Highway 97 and 48th Avenue, has drawn significant attention due to its unusual treehouse and the proximity to BX Creek. Local officials, including the city’s fire chief, have expressed serious worries about safety and environmental impacts stemming from the encampment.

“It’s very sad to see people displaced,” said Kelly Fehr, executive director of operations for the Turning Points Collaborative Society, an organization dedicated to supporting the unhoused. “When people in a municipality that has a low vacancy rate are forced out of their encampment, they have very few options for shelter.”

As the encampment is dismantled, MOTT and the Ministry of Housing released a joint statement emphasizing that while encampments can provide a temporary sense of community, they pose significant risks to residents’ well-being. “They are not a safe or suitable form of long-term shelter,” the statement read.

Despite the unsettling situation, there is some hope for those affected. A new 52-unit supportive housing complex is nearing completion and is expected to open early in the new year, operated by the Turning Points Collaborative Society. “We know that many people are couch surfing or sleeping in public spaces, and shelters are often at capacity,” Fehr noted. “There’s absolutely a gap that needs to be addressed.”

Turning Points is encouraging those displaced to seek assistance at their Vernon shelter, assuring that they will do everything possible to find available beds. “We urge anyone affected by the encampment’s removal to reach out to us,” Fehr said.

This urgent situation highlights a growing crisis in Vernon and beyond, where homelessness remains a critical issue. With limited shelter options available and the cold months approaching, the need for immediate action has never been more pressing.

As developments continue to unfold, authorities and community organizations are working tirelessly to address the needs of the unhoused population in Vernon. Stay tuned for updates as this story progresses.