Taking aim at transient camp

Photo: Google Maps

Keremeos is seeking a license of occupation from the province to gain control of an area just east of the village.

Keremeos is looking to gain control of a piece of land just outside of town where, for years, campers have reportedly been staying and polluting the Similkameen River.

The village submitted an application to the province seeking a license of occupation for a section of land along the riverbank — just east of Keremeos, between Riverside Avenue and Willis Ranch Road. 

"Increasingly, campers are heavily polluting the water, the riverbed, and the sensitive adjoining riparian areas," village staff said in a news release.

"Regional district and village staff remove many tonnes of garbage and discarded camping materials annually to avoid it being carried into the river at spring freshet."

If successful, the village plans to designate the area as a "conservation park," meaning the same bylaws would apply there as every other public park — prohibiting activities like camping, fires, and smoking.

Mayor Manfred Bauer said campers in that area is a longstanding problem, and said the village first contacted the province about it in 2006. 

"Ultimately, it really is about protecting habitats," Bauer said, noting there are blue- and red-listed at-risk species in the Similkameen River, and there are cultural interests for First Nations to preserve the riverbank. 

He said the section of riverbank is underwater during the spring freshet, and when the water recedes, campers typically move in during June. 

Bauer is hopeful the village can gain jurisdiction of the area by the end of spring.