A Vernon homeless encampment is being dismantled, including its makeshift treehouse that has drawn attention at the north end of town.
Signs of the camp’s imminent removal were apparent as of Wednesday, Oct. 22, when orange fencing could be seen erected around the site along Highway 97 at 48th Avenue. Highway maintenance and bylaw personnel have been at the camp since. On Wednesday trailers were stationed beside the fencing and floodlights were put in place.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit confirmed Friday evening that the encampment is “addressing” encampments along Highway 97 from 48th Avenue to the Swan Lake overpass.
The dismantling of the camps comes due to safety and maintenance concerns both for drivers and camp occupants as winter approaches, the ministry said, and it includes the treehouse encampment.
The ministry said the camps’ occupants were given two weeks’ notice to vacate on Oct. 8, with the notice outlining safety concerns.
Removal work began Wednesday at 48th Avenue and will continue north towards the overpass. The ministry expects the work to take about three weeks. Drivers are advised to be mindful of crews working in the area.
“The ministry continues to work with key partners in the Vernon area as well as broader provincial partners, as it responds to encampments on ministry rights-of-way,” the ministry said.
Dismantling the camps will displace the people living there as winter nears. The ministry did not say how many people are being displaced, nor did it say specifically how these people will be helped, other than that outreach staff are aware of the encampment and are connecting people to available resources.
The transportation ministry said its partners include the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, “which leads the province’s response to encampments, to prioritize the safety of everyone at the site.”
“BC Housing continues to work with the City of Vernon and other partners to make more supportive homes available for people in the community,” the ministry said, noting a 52-unit supportive housing project is under construction at 2307 43rd St. that is scheduled for completion in early 2026.