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British Columbia seeks eviction of Penticton Fairview homeless encampment
The Province of British Columbia has filed an application to evict residents of the Fairview homeless encampment in Penticton. The case returned to the Penticton Supreme Court on July 27, 2026, for the third of five scheduled days, before Justice Briana Hardwick. Evidence presented included testimony from the city’s fire chief that the encampment has experienced roughly 80 fires in the past year. A fire on July 26, 2026 destroyed a structure at the camp and forced the closure of Highway 97. Officials also raised concerns about tampering with electrical equipment and pedestrian safety issues such as jaywalking along the highway shoulder.
The government argues that an injunction to remove the camp from the Ministry of Transportation’s easement—not a blanket ban on camping in city parks—will reduce the likelihood of serious injury or death from future fires. No judicial ruling has been issued yet.
Entities
Fairview homeless encampment · Justice Briana Hardwick · Ministry of Transportation (British Columbia) · Penticton · Province of British Columbia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The government argues the eviction will increase the likelihood that residents avoid grievous bodily harm or death from fires. westknews.com · kelownacapnews.com · saobserver.net · vernonmorningstar.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] No court decision has been rendered on the eviction request as of the latest hearing. westknews.com · kelownacapnews.com · saobserver.net · vernonmorningstar.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The injunction sought targets the Ministry of Transportation’s easement, not a blanket ban on camping in city parks. westknews.com · kelownacapnews.com · saobserver.net · vernonmorningstar.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Pentiction fire chief reported about 80 fires at the Fairview encampment in the previous year. westknews.com · kelownacapnews.com · saobserver.net · vernonmorningstar.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Province of British Columbia filed an application to evict residents of the Fairview homeless encampment in Penticton. westknews.com · kelownacapnews.com · saobserver.net · vernonmorningstar.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The eviction case resumed in Penticton Supreme Court on July 27, 2026, before Justice Briana Hardwick. westknews.com · kelownacapnews.com · saobserver.net · vernonmorningstar.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] A fire on July 26, 2026 destroyed a structure at the encampment and forced Highway 97 to close. westknews.com · kelownacapnews.com · saobserver.net · vernonmorningstar.com