A petition has been launched, aiming to stop the adoption of a Regional District of Nanaimo bylaw on homeless camping in parks.
The petition was started by Colleen Aiderliesten on change.org a week ago. To date it has already garnered more than 2,600 signatures. The target is to get 5,000.
The RDN is looking at a bylaw that would allow homeless people to camp overnight at designated parks in the regional district.
This doesn’t sit well with Aiderliesten, who said it will have a negative impact on people who use the park, as well as home values and tourism. She also raised issues concerning crime and drug use.
READ MORE: Regional District of Nanaimo committee recommends adoption of bylaw on homeless camping in parks
“We need to stop this bylaw,” Aiderliesten said on her petition. “Canadians are known for their meekness but this time we need to have a voice.”
The regional parks and trails select committee of the RDN recently approved the bylaw, that would allow homeless people to camp overnight at designated parks from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. It will now go before the RDN board for consideration and approval.
No camping will be allowed at any time at all regional and community trails and paths; all water accesses; and some parks in the regional district.
