FORT ST. JOHN -- The clean-up of a large homeless encampment in Fort St. John continued this weekend.
The encampment, located near a walking trail between Walmart and Matthews Park on 96A Street, has been a significant focus for city officials, RCMP, and residents.
City Councillor Trevor Bolin says around 6,000 pounds of garbage, excluding recycling, were disposed of during the clean-up. Additionally, more than 50 shopping carts were collected.
“Today was a huge success, results were very good, and we hope to continue to work with those staying down there so we don’t get back to the conditions we have experienced the last few weeks,” said Bolin in a Facebook post.
Contracting crews with Ramhorn Ventures, supported by the RCMP and Car 60, worked to restore the trail.
There were no reports of stolen items or discarded drug paraphernalia found at the site. While many of the tents remain, Bolin noted that the area has ‘drastically’ improved.
“The site is not perfect or 100% clean but a huge improvement has been made and site lines have drastically been improved,” added Bolin.
The city is advocating for legislative changes and enhanced support from the province to address homelessness issues and have previously emphasized that they are following provincial guidelines for camp clean-ups while balancing the needs of all residents.
Individuals living in the encampment were given notice of the clean-up, which began last week.
