By The Canadian Press

B.C. heads back to court to seek injunction to shut down Victoria homeless camp

May 27, 2016 | 3:32 PM

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s housing minister says the government is going back to court as early as next week in a second attempt to shut down a homeless camp on the grounds of Victoria’s courthouse.

Rich Coleman says a recent fire commissioner’s report warns of life threatening fire dangers at the camp where more than 100 people have been living in tents since last fall.

In an audio statement released by his ministry, Coleman says the fire commissioner’s recent inspection report found that dangers to life and safety at the camp are increasing.

Bob Cooper’s report says there has been a serious deterioration of safety conditions since his last inspection earlier this month and it’s only a matter of time before a serious fire occurs.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Hinkson denied a government injunction application to shut down the camp in March after a three-day hearing.

Victoria council granted police extra funds last week to increase patrols at the camp after reports of increased violence and gang presence in the area.

The Canadian Press

B.C. heads back to court to seek injunction to shut down Victoria homeless camp

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