A photo of some garbage left behind at an encampment along the river channel in Penticton.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK
January 15, 2025 - 11:47 AM
The City of Penticton and the snpink’tn Indian Band are trying to find a solution to an encampment of homeless people by the highway, but a legal loophole have stopped local authorities from finding a long-term solution.
The encampment at Fairview Road and Highway 97 is technically on provincial land, outside of the city and the band’s jurisdictions, according to a joint press release from the city and band issued today, Jan. 15.
The land is unsurrendered sylix Nation Territory and used to be snpink’tn Indian Band reserve land.
“All lands within our territory must be treated with respect and reciprocity and the individuals encamped on the property deserve the same. The snpink’tn Indian Band is working with the City of Penticton and the province to find solutions with respect to the encampment. We want to see the land cleaned up, the sensitive waters at Ellis creek protected and the people at the encampment re-homed and treated with respect,” Chief Greg Gabriel of the snpink’tn Indian Band said in the release.
In the 1950s the land was appropriated by the federal government and then transferred to the province in 1955 for flood control and infrastructure.
The land was supposed to revert to reserve status but the government never followed through. Since the provincial government still owns the land it's responsible for it.
READ MORE: The danger created by homeless encampments in Okanagan backcountry
“We want to ensure the safety of everyone in our community and have taken steps, in partnership, to make that happen,” Penticton mayor Julius Bloomfield said in the release. “Working with 100 More Homes, BC Housing and Interior Health, we’ve established a winter shelter that provides support and connections for those experiencing homelessness. We’re also working with the provincial government and the snpink’tn Indian Band on the encampment located along the channel.”
The city said bylaw officers and the snpink’tn guardians have been supporting those in the encampment but they don’t have the authority to “deal with the encampment.”
Local authorities and the province are discussing the encampment, and the city said it is working toward long-term solutions to ensure there is sufficient housing for people.
“The snpink’tn community, province and the City of Penticton have shared values relating to the need for community safety, mental health and housing solutions, we are working together to address these issues over both the short and long-term,” Gabriel said.
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