Tent City Turns Into a Playground

Tent City was a community of homeless people that set up a camp on the grounds of The Provincial Court House in Victoria, British Columbia, since the Fall of 2015. This new "settlement" was nicknamed "Tent City". "Tent City" and it's residents were unwelcome by the locals or the Provincial Government for many reasons, but safety issues (open fires, violence and illicit drug use) being the most important. The Province tried to close Tent City in April of 2015, but this was rejected by the courts. In their second attempt, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of The Province due to growing safety concerns. The courts set August 2016 as the deadline for Ten City to be closed. In exchange, The Province had offered approximately 190 spaces for the homeless last October, and currently even more housing options.

In a spirit of goodwill, the neighbours of Tent City have offered to build a playground! The project is still in the early stages and plans are currently being drawn up. The park will have activities for all ages and abilities. There will be chess tables and benches set up for adults, and it will be fully accessible to everyone, including the handicapped and infirm. Unfortunately, construction has been delayed as the soil is contaminated with drugs, gas and other toxic substances. There is an estimated 75 dump trucks of dirt to be moved from the playground site to a remediation site. The playground site will be treated again before construction starts. The project is said to cost $150 000 to $200 000. Minister Amrik Virk said the following "We're going to let children decide what kind of playground they want". I think it is a good idea to include the users of the playground into the planning process.

Tent City is a good example of the some of the hidden problems even wealthy city, province and country Are faced with. In many other countries, the homeless are disregarded and little is done to assist them. Whilst we don't have perfect solutions in Victoria, I do believe the city is stepping up to the challenge of the social needs of it's poorest citizens!!

Photo Sources: 

Homeless campers in Victoria staged a block party at the tent city in defiance of a Feb. 25 deadline to leave the area. (Megan Thomas/CBC). CBC, 29 Feb. 2016, www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/british-columbia/victoria-tent-city-injunction-1.3470199. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

WATCH: A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ordered Victoria’s tent city be dismantled. April Lawrence reports live from tent city. CHEK News, 5 July 2016, www.cheknews.ca/judge-orders-dismantling-victorias-tent-city-195731/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.

“Chess Pedestal Table with Seats.” A_space, aspaceto.com.au/play/product/playground-chess-pedestal-table-with-seats/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2016.