A roving encampment trying to bring attention to homelessness is spending its 3rd week in the upscale municipality of Oak Bay - moving to Uplands now in front of the cenotaph. The camp has also been by the municipal hall, and at Willows Beach.
But it's what HazMat crews have been finding after the camps move that has many concerned about their presence.
Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen says the municipality wants to be respectful of peaceful protest -- but did called in a HazMat team to inspect the encampment sites to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the area.
Dave Rogers at BC HazMat confirms his team was called out and found hazardous items in vicinity of the campsite that you would not want the public to handle:
"I can say that we did find needles. We did find contaminated drug paraphernalia."
Rogers congratulates Oak Bay for calling for an inspection, noting needles are often contaminated and require trained crews to handle and remove them.
"On the outside of the needles now, there could be the opioids, fentanyl or carfenantil that, being transdermal could go right through your skin. So, yes, we should congratulate Oak Bay for their due diligence in having us out there right away and making sure it's safe."
Meantime Oak Bay police Deputy Chief says he is disappointed the protesters have twice gone back on their word to leave the municipality after 7 days. Ray Bernoties adds it's also disappointing they have chosen to camp at the cenotaph. Police are closely monitoring the situation, have increased patrols in the area, and will continually re-assess their response.
Rogers expects his team will likely be asked to inspect the Uplands site once campers leave on October 31st.