A sprawling encampment of unhoused individuals near the River Channel at the intersection of Highway 97 and Fairview Road in Penticton is the latest to vex officials and residents.
The City of Penticton and the snpink鈥檛n (Penticton) Indian Band issued a joint press release on Jan. 15 about the camp and efforts that are underway to work with the provincial governmetn on the issue.
鈥淲e want to ensure for the safety of everyone in our community and have taken steps, in partnership, to make that happen,鈥� said Mayor Julius Bloomfield. 鈥淲orking with 100 More Homes, BC Housing and Interior Health, we鈥檝e established a winter shelter that provides support and connections for those experiencing homelessness.鈥�
The location of the camp places it within a jurisdictional Bermuda Triangle, much like a different camp that was in place for over a year just north of Penticton and also along Highway 97.
That camp supposedly housed three people, while a walk through of the area around Ellis Creek shows about a dozen different tents set up, with some partially obscured within natural brush and foliage.
The press release states that the land, unceded traditional territory of the syilx people, was appropriated by the Crown in the 50s by the federal government before being transferred to the provincial government for flood control and infrastructure projects.
The release also states that the land was originally part of the PIB's designated reserve lands and were intended to revert to that status but were not returned and lost that designation.
As a result, the provincial government bears the responsibility for dealing with any issues that arise on the land, but the PIB and City are also working to find a solution.
鈥淎ll lands within our Territory must be treated with respect and reciprocity and the individuals encamped on the property deserve the same," said Chief Greg Gabriel. "The snpink鈥檛n Indian Band is working with the City of Penticton and the Province to find solutions with respect to the encampment. We want to see the land cleaned up, the sensitive waters at Ellis creek protected and the people at the encampment re-homed and treated with respect.鈥�
The City鈥檚 Bylaw department and the snpink鈥檛n Guardians have provided regular support but do not have the legal authority or the necessary capacity to deal with the encampment.
The camp that had existed north of Penticton eventaully was cleared by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in July of 2024 after months of lobbying by local elected officials, and a large fire in October of 2023.
The press release ends by stating that the City is working towards long-term solutions to ensure sufficient housing for people.
