Residents may have questions following the BC Supreme Court's decision regarding the Fairview encampment. The following Statement outlines the City's role, the Province's responsibilities and the rules governing sheltering in City parks and public spaces.
The BC Supreme Court has issued an injunction in relation to the Fairview encampment, following an application by the Province of British Columbia. As the Fairview encampment is located on provincially owned land, the City was not a party to the injunction proceedings.
The injunction prohibits any person from remaining on the land underlying the encampment and is effective as of noon on October 30, 2026.
The Province is responsible for all decampment and remediation efforts. As the level of government responsible for social housing, health care, poverty reduction and environment, the Province is equipped with the resources and expertise to ensure a resolution which is both safe and expedient for all.
In City parks and open spaces, City Bylaw staff will continue to enforce the Parks and Safe Public Spaces Bylaw. In accordance with judicial interpretation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Parks and Safe Public Spaces Bylaw, temporary overnight sheltering is prohibited between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. along the two main lake frontages, including the following (view map):
- Okanagan Beach, SS Sicamous Park and Rose Garden
- Rotary Park, Gyro Park and Okanagan Lake Park
- Japanese Garden, Marina Way Park, and Marina Way Beach
- Northern Section of Lakawanna Park, located at 886 Lakeshore Drive W
- Skaha Lake Beach, Sudbury Beach, and Skaha Lake Park
Overnight shelters are not permitted in City parks or public spaces during daytime hours.
The City remains supportive of Provincial efforts to connect unsheltered people with appropriate housing and other necessary resources and will continue to encourage unsheltered individuals to connect with Provincial services.
Individuals seeking emergency shelter or daytime services are encouraged to view the resources list for further supports.
The City expects that a written decision will be made available over the coming days on the BC Supreme Court website.
Learn more: Homelessness page, Parks Bylaw infographic, Who to Call When
