After being forced off a highway right of way next to the Saanich Fire Hall a roving group of homeless campers are now in Oak Bay.
Organizer Chrissy Brett had said they intended to test the Saanich Bylaw governing overnight sheltering in Rudd Park -- by taking down their tents by 9:00 am, but keeping their belongings in the park afterwards.
Saanich police had said they would be monitoring parks for proper use, and were clear on previous occasions "chattel" -- or objects that could not be removed easily -- would not be allowed.
So instead the campers moved to Oak Bay's Cattle Point.
Thursday morning officers were on hand as the District of Oak Bay served an invoice on camp leader Chrissy Brett for costs associated to their previous stay in the community. The bill -- for hazmat sweeps -- came to $1,882.65. The invoice was served without incident.
The campers were also told they are in breach of Oak Bay's bylaws which state individuals can not erect tents or structures in a park in Oak Bay without a permit.
The bylaw was recently enforced on a group from West Vancouver. That group left immediately and without incident once informed of the bylaw.
Oak Bay Police have also received a complaint that the campers are interfering with the lawful use of that area of the park by others, and are rendering it inoperative to others. Police say that constitutes Mischief, a criminal offence.