A B.C. Supreme Court judge has reserved his decision following a three-day hearing regarding the closure of the Moccasin Flats homeless encampment in Prince George. The city is seeking permission to shut down the camp and remediate the site, citing new supportive housing initiatives as justification. The encampment, established in 2021 on city-owned land, has faced legal battles after the city sought to remove campers due to safety concerns. In 2021, the court ruled that residents could stay until suitable housing was available. The city, along with the province and B.C. Housing, has since set up a 42-unit transitional housing facility near the camp.
While the city argues that it has made sufficient housing provisions and offers a seamless transition to permanent housing, lawyers for the residents argue that the city’s actions are premature. They claim that there are still unmet housing needs and insufficient beds available, with only three rooms currently ready at the new site. They also raise concerns about individuals with complex mental health issues not being able to meet the Third Avenue site’s requirements. The judge hopes to issue his written decision before mid-August, as the future of the encampment remains uncertain.
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