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