Editorial

Several of the transient campers that have been tenting on the Similkameen River near Pine Park in Keremeos have expressed to members of the community that they consider it their constitutional right to be able to camp there.

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association discusssed the issue surrounding squatters’ rights in a recent communication. A number of points worth noting were made in the paper that certainly applies to the situation in Keremeos, and should provide some direction in terms of whether or not the campground is there for valid reasons.

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association recognizes that all citizens have the right to adequate shelter. Where adequate shelter is unavailable, the right to take semi-permanent shelter on public lands is engaged. The right to take shelter on public lands should be exercised with due consideration to the alternative public uses of the space.

The Association also notes that if the homeless have a right to occupy public spaces, it is also reasonable to expect that the right be exercised in a reasonable manner. Further, they note that “if adequate shelter is not available, the Association recognizes the rights of the homeless to occupy public space on a semi-permanent basis, subject to reasonable limitations.

We agree with the B.C. Civil Liberties Association’s recognition of the rights of the homeless. Based on the points made above, it would seem that the public’s view of the tent camp on the Similkmeen being inappropriate are valid, as the use of that particular piece of land is not in the public interest.

There are many other locations in the area where the tenters, if they truly need to squat on public land can go. These places may not be as convenient for them as the set up on the Similkameen, but if the goal is to ensure that everyone’s rights are respected, they need to understand that the river is no place for a campground.