City of Kelowna begins cleanup at rail trail homeless camp
Global News
The cleanup, says the city, is needed because as the camp grows, so does the risk of fires in tents during winter.
The City of Kelowna initiated a cleanup at Kelowna’s homeless camp along the rail trail on Tuesday.
In an interview with Global News, the city said it was necessary as the site has grown substantially, along with potential fire risks.
On scene at the cleanup were many police officers, firefighters and bylaw officers. The camp, which has between 90 and 130 residents, is the city’s only designated temporary outdoor sheltering site.
“As the camps themselves grow and grow and grow, the risk for fire and life safety actually exponentially increases,” said Kelowna bylaw services manager Kevin Mead.
During recent winters, local officials have warned those who shelter outside of tent fires as temperatures drop.
Mead said there have been occasions “when fires do happen in tents, and particularly tents that are grouped together, some real significant harm can come to people.”
On Tuesday, the city said it hauled away extraneous materials that weren’t needed or required.
“There’s a lot of clutter, so if they don’t keep it up, it’ll just be piles of bikes and whatnot,” said resident Norm Thomson.