DAWSON CREEK -- Volunteers gathered Wednesday night in Dawson Creek to help clear out a homeless encampment. For the past nine months, the encampment has been set up on a private property on 17th Street.

RCMP first removed those staying at the camp two weeks ago. However, they returned to the property the next day. One week later, the body of a 43-year-old Dawson Creek woman was found in a tent at the site. RCMP confirmed she died of an overdose.

On Tuesday those living in the encampment were given a 24-hour notice by RCMP to pack up their belongings. It was time to go.

The City of Dawson Creek had its hands tied since the property was not owned by the city, but rather by a man. He was able to get help from the community on Wednesday, when it was time to clear up the camp.

RCMP said the camp likely had an average of 14 people living there. Tents, food, bikes and more crowded the property. There was even a makeshift living room set up in the encampment. Gasoline in jerrycans were next to a burn barrel while leaking propane tanks were close by. Had anything gone wrong, the property owner would have been held liable.

Over 80 volunteers from the community showed up to assist the landowner in clearing up the site. Most of the volunteers came from Citizens Take Action. Garbage bins and front-end loaders were used during the cleanup. A traffic control company was also on hand to help take care of the roads. Mounties were present to keep the peace.

The homeless people staying on the property left peacefully. On Wednesday night, they camped on the lawn of the Nawican Centre.