WATCH: Homeless couple ordered to leave
A couple living on a forested piece of private land in South Surrey has been handed an eviction notice after a complaint was made by someone who claimed the property was unsightly.
Roy Mercer and Darlene Fox say they aren’t harming anyone. They claim to have the permission of the property owner and their camp is barely visible from the street. Mercer adds that he and his partner sustain themselves by collecting empty bottles and other discarded items, something that helps keep the area clean.
Mercer has also received donations from local business owners and volunteers at a local car wash.
“The owner, he doesn’t want any problems,” adds Declerc of the owner of the land where Mercer’s camp is located. “He also doesn’t want any huge fines lobbied against him. The city, I think, is starting to put pressure on him.”
A Surrey city official says outreach workers are trying to relocate the couple, but Mercer says he’s ignoring the Nov. 1 eviction deadline and not leaving unless he is arrested.
“What is the big deal here?” asks Mercer. “They’re talking about giving homeless people a break and what do they do? They’re trying to make me go on welfare? I don’t want it. I don’t want their welfare. I just want to be left alone.”
-with files from Jill Bennett
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