he long time residents (125) of Cheanuh Marina Campsite have been given 30 days eviction notice on July 11. Some residents have lived here for decades and have been allowed to put major additions on trailers here. Although payment is on a monthly basis, with water supplied, all other amenities are the resident’s responsibility. So, this is not your average campsite.
On a recent news interview a band member was quoted as saying ‘… back up your truck, hook up your trailer and that’s what you do.” Given the band permitted major add-ons to these trailers, the dismantling of these additions make it difficult to simply hook up one’s trailer and get out by August 11.
Among the the campsites full-time resident population there are seniors, children, those on disability pensions and low income. These people will be especially impacted with the 30-day eviction notice.
In the news interview on July 12, the band chief stated that the contract with developer David Butterfield was not signed, there was no definitive agreement. Given this information, we as residents are baffled at the necessity to get us out of Cheanuh in 30 days and that whatever we are not able to remove after August 12, becomes the property of the Beecher Bay First Nation Band. Is it unfair to ask for a little compassion?
What is the rush?
To sum up, we as residents, accept that the band wants to change the use of this property to benefit future generations, however we feel it is unreasonable and cruel to demand eviction in only 30 days.
Owen Seeton
Resident of Cheanuh Marina Campsite, East Sooke
