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Kelowna  

Campers make a trashy lot

 

The Walmart parking lot is becoming a campground, littered with used toilet paper, gas cans and other trash being left behind by those living there for days. 

And the practice doesn't seem to be frowned upon.

According to Walmart’s corporate website, while electrical service or accommodations are not offered, the chain values RV travellers and considers them among its best customers. Generally the rule is those in an RV can stay one night, free of charge. 

However, in Kelowna, it appears some people are camping out in vans, trucks – and even tents – for days in the Walmart parking lot, and they're leaving behind an awful mess.

One woman spoke to Castanet from her camper van and said she had been staying for a week in the lot. She said she never asked permission and no one from the store has ever come out to talk to her.

“I go in there every day to buy ice and stuff, so I am a customer so they should not say anything,” she said, explaining that she was staying a few more days while she waits for friends who will travel with her down to California.

Another man who was camped out with a boat, a trailer and a vehicle said he hadn’t had any issues while staying in the lot and most people were friendly.

While Castanet was speaking to the man in the camper, another person got out of a van that had its windows blanketed, brushed his teeth, got dressed and left.

Several others slept in vehicles in the lot in various shady spots.

As for shoppers, there were mixed reactions over those staying in the parking lot.

A local man said he felt bad for these people who were sleeping in their vehicles, as they were clearly down on their luck.

One woman said when she travels with her husband in their RV they always stay at Walmart and she had no problem with it.

While another shopper said it wasn’t fair that employees of Walmart were forced to clean up the litter left behind from those sleeping in the lot, adding they should pay to stay in a campsite.

“We do have camping places, admittedly more expensive; but we are a community and we need the taxes…. and I would like a clean parking lot.”

Kelowna’s store manager was not able to speak to Castanet about those who stay over the allowed 24 hours or about the litter. Calls to Walmart’s corporate office were not returned in time for publication.

If you have a comment or concern, email [email protected].

– with files from Rob Balsdon



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