Some people living in a large encampment in Chilliwack were still packing their belongings Thursday afternoon (Feb. 1).
Heavy equipment was busy making large piles of debris out of items left behind at the camp, and tow trucks were moving out RVs and other vehicles, as the campers were forced off the private land. The land is now owned by Shxwhá:y Village, and campers were given one month’s notice to vacate by Jan. 31 at midnight.
An estimated 40 to 50 people had been living in tarp-covered structures, tents, motorhomes and RVs just outside the Island 22 Regional Park.
RCMP were on scene for the day, directing traffic and keeping the peace. Several residents were still loading their things in waiting vehicles at 3 p.m. on Thursday, while others wandering around on Cartmell Road with belongings. One man watched and took photographs, with a dog on a leash.
Traffic along Cartmell Road was kept open for those still wishing to use the recreational area. Dozens of vehicles lined the road between the camp and the park’s gatehouse.
More to come.
-with files from Jennifer Feinberg
READ MORE: Deadline arrives to empty out Island 22 encampment in Chilliwack