The City of Prince George is set to dismantle a long-standing homeless encampment following approval from a B.C. Supreme Court judge. The city has been granted the go-ahead after demonstrating efforts to provide shelter for those experiencing homelessness.
Previous attempts to shut down the encampment, located on city-owned lands, were met with legal challenges due to inadequate housing options and support facilities for the unhoused population in Prince George. In 2022, the city faced criticism for causing harm to vulnerable individuals by prematurely dismantling parts of the encampment, assuming it had been abandoned after assisting some residents in securing alternate accommodations.
However, a recent court ruling praised the city’s shift in approach since the 2022 incident. Collaborative efforts between the city, the province, and the B.C. Housing Management Commission have resulted in substantial investments towards establishing new housing and shelter options for unhoused individuals in Prince George.
Following the opening of a supportive housing facility near the encampment earlier this year, the city sought legal validation to enforce its bylaws and close the camp. While the court has authorized an immediate closure at the Lower Patricia Blvd. site, the city is coordinating with BC Housing to arrange housing solutions for approximately 20 residents before implementing the shutdown.