Regina police clear city hall encampment, 11 arrests made
CTV
Residents of the encampment at Regina’s city hall were forced to leave Friday afternoon as police began clearing the site.
Residents of the encampment at Regina’s city hall were forced to leave Friday afternoon as police began clearing the site.
On Thursday, Regina Fire Chief Layne Jackson said residents needed to vacate the area as soon as possible after the Fire Safety Act was put into place due to three fires in 24 hours, including one that destroyed a tent on the east side of the camp.
The fire that destroyed the tent Thursday morning was one that Jackson said was "fully involved” and one he said could have been fatal if it was in a more populated area of the camp.
According to the Regina Police Service (RPS), there were 11 people arrested and charged with obstruction. One person was charged with assaulting a police officer. A man in a wheelchair was arrested, but charges did not proceed once it was determined he could not move under his own power. He was taken to hospital.
The 11 people who were arrested were taken to the RPS Detention Unit, and police said they anticipate they will be released from custody later on Friday night.
Four of those arrested were believed to be volunteers, and seven were believed to have been camp residents.
There were 30 officers involved and no injuries reported. Throught the day, RPS officers worked to connect those at the camp with support services.
