B.C. Indigenous band evicts trailer park residents to fulfil “land back” plan

Dozens of residents are facing eviction and the potential loss of their life savings after the K’omoks First Nation ordered a sudden closure of a Comox Valley, B.C., trailer park.

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Author: Cosmin Dzsurdzsa

Dozens of residents are facing eviction and the potential loss of their life savings after the K’omoks First Nation ordered a sudden closure of a Comox Valley, B.C., trailer park that has been home to many for over 50 years.

The K’omoks First Nation released a statement about the evictions happening on K’omoks land after notifying residents that they have two years to leave the park. The Indigenous group stated they need the land for housing and social services for its members.

“The landlord for QTP is also providing tenants with an opportunity to have their monthly pad rental fees waived, to give tenants additional resources to secure alternative housing,” the statement reads. “We recognize that this transition affects current park tenants and will require tenants to make alternative living plans.”

The K’omoks First Nation states that “taking the nation’s land back” is essential for its future plan for its members.

“Taking the Nation’s lands back advances urgent and long-term housing priorities for the Nation,” the statement reads. “This aligns with KFN’s broader community planning efforts, and growing demand for housing among members, including housing for members currently experiencing housing insecurity.”

Residents of the trailer park worry about losing their life savings and the mortgages they still hold on their property, as they may not be able to move their homes out of the park.

The K’omoks First Nation has given residents of the Queneesh Mobile Home Park less than two years to move their homes off the property, according to CHEK News, a Victoria, B.C., news outlet.

One resident, who has been in the park for more than 34 years, considers it their “forever home.”

CHEK News interviewed resident Kathy Jenkins, who said there is “no place” residents can move their trailers to on the island.

She said “We have put our life savings into this trailer, and now we have to leave with nothing.” Others said they still owe tens of thousands on mortgages.

One resident, Don Cropley, who told the outlet he had lived in the park for 18 years, said the First Nation could had several other locations they could choose to develop. Instead, they’ve chosen to evict the residents of Queenish Mobile Home Park.

According to CHEK, the park has 37 trailers, housing more than 100 residents.

This follows the Liberal government quietly handing control over much of British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, to the Musqueam Indian Band by granting Aboriginal title to the land. The move could affect nearly two million people.

Another decision by the B.C. Supreme Court in August handed over most of Richmond, B.C., to the Cowichan Tribes, similarly raising significant concerns over the property rights of residents.