An online petition on change.org is demanding the removal of the tent city in Regina Park.
For safety reasons, "Kent", the Saanich resident who created it -- only wants to be identified by his first name.
He says homeless advocates like to use the term "nimbyism" to shame anyone in the neighbourhood not wanting the camp on their doorstep.
But he says residents, including children, have had to endure a myriad of disruptive, illegal and dangerous behaviours, including:
Drug use happening in plain sight; discarding of drug paraphernalia without regard to public safety; Drugs being delivered to the camp; Trespassing on residential property ( including theft from vehicles, properties, using hoses from properties, damaging properties, and littering) ; Families being woken up at night due to noise or altercations; Public urination and defecation; Prostitution; as well as being subjected to threats and racial slurs.
Kent says it's time for the District of Saanich Council to enforce the laws and bylaws and shut down the illegal encampment. The District of Saanich has delivered 2 separate cease occupation orders to campers, but neither has had an effect.
The petition on change.org is called "We Demand The District of Saanich put an end to the Saanich Tent City at Regina Park!"