This homeless encampment was built around a partly-demolished fireplace on a property at 210 Co-Op Avenue in Oliver.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED / Town of Oliver

A frustrated property owner in Oliver is asking for help from town staff and council after years of battling the ongoing presence of homeless campers, repeated property damage, and mounting cleanup costs on a property he plans to redevelop into a multi-unit residential complex.

Todd Gillard, representing a numbered company that owns the property at 210 Co-Op Avenue, presented an impassioned appeal to Oliver council during a recent meeting, urging for a collaborative solution and more consistent enforcement as he works toward cleaning and developing the land.

History of the Property and Ongoing Problems

The property, located near the Okanagan River and a public greenbelt, was once a farm. It has been plagued by repeated fires, illegal dumping, and trespassing since Gillard purchased it just over four years ago.

According to town staff, the original house on the property, along with an outbuilding, were largely destroyed by fire several years ago. What remains are deteriorating structures, piles of construction debris, concrete, trees, and garbage—conditions the town has declared hazardous and “unsightly.”

In early June, council issued a remedial action order demanding that all garbage and remaining structures be removed within 60 days. If Gillard failed to comply, the town stated it would clean up the property at his expense.

This wasn’t the first time the town had issued notices. Since 2022, staff had delivered multiple compliance notices with limited results. According to Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Anderson, there had been “a little bit of work done,” particularly in 2023, but “nowhere near the amount that was required,” and the file had since gone “silent.”

Gillard’s Response: ‘This Isn’t Just a Me Problem’

In his detailed presentation, Gillard expressed deep frustration over what he feels is an unreasonable burden being placed solely on him.

“I’ve been maintaining the area and picking up garbage, kicking out the homeless, and trying to keep it, as far as I’m concerned, reasonably safe,” he told council.

Gillard emphasized that a significant section of the southwest corner of the property was expropriated by the Town of Oliver years ago for the Sawmill Road extension. As a result, the site now appears to be one continuous parcel, but part of it is technically owned by the town. That includes a gated or fenced roadway, which campers use for access.

“I’m not sure council and maybe some staff are even aware that the Town owns a portion of this property we’re discussing,” said Gillard. “It’s not just me who owns this land.”

He said he’s cleaned up the site numerous times, but the homeless repeatedly return, often leaving behind dangerous waste such as needles and contaminated materials. Despite notifying the town and the RCMP repeatedly, he claims police assistance has dwindled, and he now feels unsafe confronting trespassers alone.

He lives in Summerland and he’s made appointments with the RCMP when he arrives at his property in Oliver, only to be informed more than once they won’t be able to make it, he said.

“The RCMP were really good in the beginning. Four years ago, they helped me remove a large encampment. Since then, I’ve made appointments with them to meet me at the site, and they never show. I’m not prepared to remove the homeless myself anymore. I’m not going to risk being stabbed or stuck with a dirty needle.”

Efforts and Obstacles

Gillard said that over the past four years he has:

• Removed over 110 dump truck loads of contaminated soil

• Hauled away dozens of truck and trailer loads of garbage

• Removed hundreds of needles

• Cleared significant brush and trees

• Received demolition permits and cleaned up after fires

He noted that town officials, including senior staff, were at one point satisfied with the cleanup, but a new building inspector reopened the file this spring, citing that the demolition permit had expired and that further cleanup was required.

The inspector also ordered the removal of a swimming pool and adjacent trees—steps that Gillard questioned.

“I’ve asked multiple times why I was told to remove the pool. I don’t believe the town had the authority to make that demand, and I couldn’t find any bylaw that supported it. But I removed it anyway.”

Ironically, he said, removing those trees contributed to the debris piles that the town is now requiring him to clean up.

The Human Factor: Addiction, Safety, and Inaction

The homeless population using the site has not only created mess and hazards but has allegedly caused direct damage.

“My shop was burned down. Then my house was burned down. Trees were burned. The Oliver Fire Department knows my site well,” said Gillard.

Currently, he said only one man remains living illegally on the property, but he has been unable to have the individual removed without RCMP support.

“I need your help in order to help you,” Gillard told council. “Let’s come up with a list of reasonable steps we can all agree on and move forward.”

Council’s Response: Acknowledging Complexity

Members of council acknowledged that the situation is not straightforward.

Coun. Petra Veintimilla said asking a private owner to remove homeless campers is “a lot” and not something she would want to do herself. She asked whether council has a role to play in working with RCMP to support enforcement.

Coun. Aimee Grice agreed that the situation is complex and asked Gillard what he wanted specifically from council.

“My biggest concern is that I’m asked to do something, I do it, and then someone else comes along and says, ‘Do more,’” said Gillard. “At what point do we draw the line and say what’s reasonable?”

Mayor Martin Johansen reiterated that the town’s demands were not excessive. The remedial order focused on removing the remains of the burned house and outbuilding, clearing garbage, removing an excavator, and managing piles of concrete.

Gillard said he plans to reuse the concrete for structural berms in the future development and is willing to stockpile and cover it if that satisfies the town’s safety concerns.

Burning Brush and Future Cleanup

Gillard received prior approval from Fire Chief Ash Regner to burn brush and organic debris on site later this fall, as a practical and cost-effective way to deal with the large amount of material from the cleared trees and shrubs.

While some councillors expressed concern about allowing burning within town limits, Regner clarified that the fire bylaw allows exceptions for land clearing tied to development. After clarification, councillors who were initially opposed said they were comfortable with a controlled burn, provided it followed proper protocols and residents were notified.

Coun. David Mattes, who initially opposed the burn, changed his position after learning it was allowable under the bylaw.

Next Steps and New Timeline

Council ultimately agreed to:

• Extend Gillard’s cleanup deadline to Sept. 25

• Support coordinated enforcement with RCMP to remove the remaining trespasser

• Approve controlled burning in late October, with fire chief approval

Grice added that by October, everything aside from the burn piles should be cleaned up.

“If it’s not, I personally believe we should go in, clean up, and send you the bill,” she said.

Gillard said he welcomed the extension and supported working with staff to arrange RCMP enforcement.

“I’ve been cooperative. I just want to get this done. I’m ready to move forward.”

Long-Term Outlook: Housing Development in the Works

The ultimate goal, said Gillard, is to turn the site into a large multi-unit housing development. He confirmed that two environmental impact assessments have already been completed, including a riparian area report, and that the project is making steady progress through required planning stages.

Coun. Terry Schafer noted that development is likely the only permanent solution to prevent future homeless encampments.

“I’m happy to hear you’re in the midst of developing it,” Schafer said.

Johansen agreed and noted that while cleanup efforts are still required, much of the work has already been done. He emphasized the need for immediate action if future encampments form.

“We have no option but to work together until this is cleaned up and eventually developed,” he said.

Council voted unanimously to support the new plan, and Gillard thanked members for their cooperation.

“I look forward to getting this straightened out,” he said.

— This article was originally published by the Penticton Herald

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