The tent city on the Victoria courthouse lawn may be gone, but the province is still dealing with a rodent infestation problem at the site.
The Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services is managing the cleanup and restoration of the site.
The process started the week of Aug. 8 after the former tent city was officially closed.
The ministry spokesperson told Global News while cleanup was occurring it was determined that pest control is required before any remediation should begin.
“The exact number of rodents cannot be confirmed,” said the ministry in a statement. “Pest control activities were estimated to take approximately two weeks, however, these efforts will continue until the pests are completely eradicated. Monitoring is occurring on a daily basis.”
So how much is the province paying to tackle the rodent problem?
The total cost of pest management from April to September is already at approximately $6,500. However, the total cost of managing the site since December of last year until now is sitting at $1.3 million. The money was spent on things like security, garbage collection, port-a-potties, fire extinguishers, gravel, water hookup/service, BC Hydro service, as well as fencing and site demolition.
READ MORE: A history of tent cities in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley
The province is still deciding what the best design and future use of the site will be. Once a plan is in the works, remediation will get underway. An important part of that process will include soil removal and testing.
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In the meantime, the adjacent parking lot has been cleaned and parking stall lines were re-painted. The province says fencing will remain around the perimeter of the site and will be staffed by security 24/7.
The timeline of the tent city on the lawn of Victoria’s courthouse:
Aug. 12, 2016 – The government declares the tent city has officially been shut down.
Aug. 8, 2016 – The deadline for campers at Victoria’s tent city to clear out.
July 5, 2016 – A B.C. judge orders the shut down of the camp.
June 3, 2016 – B.C. government files a second injunction to shut down Victoria tent city.
May 14, 2016 – Plumbing is installed in the tent city.
April 5, 2016 – B.C. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Hinkson denies a government injunction application to shut down the camp.
March 1, 2016 – B.C. government files a court application to evict the remaining homeless campers from the tent city.
Feb. 25, 2016 – The day of the official Victoria camp’s eviction day, but city police and British Columbia’s government signal the deadline is a “soft” one geared towards people voluntarily leaving the camp as opposed to a forced eviction.
Jan. 11, 2016- Dozens of homeless people camping at Victoria’s Law Courts are vowing to stay despite the B.C. government’s offer of alternate shelter.
Dec. 24, 2015 – Victoria police arrest a man after a stabbing at the city’s growing tent encampment.
Nov. 2015 – A tent city springs up on Victoria courthouse lawn.
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