B.C. set to file injunction to shut down Victoria courthouse homeless camp

VICTORIA – The British Columbia government will file court documents Friday in a second attempt to shut down a homeless camp on the grounds of the Victoria courthouse.

A report last week warning of life-threatening fire dangers at the tent city prompted Housing Minister Rich Coleman to announce the government will return to court in a bid to dismantle the camp.

Fire commissioner Bob Cooper said in his report that safety conditions had deteriorated considerably since inspections earlier this month and it’s only a matter of time before a serious fire incident occurs.

More than 100 people have been living in tents on the front lawn of the courthouse since last November, sparking complaints from neighbours about violence, feces and drugs.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Hinkson denied a government injunction application to shut down the camp last April after a three-day hearing that saw many camp residents testify.

The government has a Sept. 7 court date to apply for a permanent injunction to remove the camp.