2 arrested at homeless camp in Maple Ridge

Two people were arrested at the Anita Place homeless camp in Maple Ridge, B.C., on Tuesday.

Ridge Meadows RCMP say a woman was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer and a man was arrested for alleged violations of the Trespass Act.

Ivan Drury, 41, of Deroche, B.C., has been charged with one count of resisting or obstructing a police officer.

Drury, an advocate with the group Alliance Against Displacement, was released from custody on the conditions that he report to a bail officer and that he not go within one metreof the fence that surrounds the property at 11683 223rdStreet.

The woman was released on promises to appear in court and to stay away from the encampment.

The arrests follow an evacuation order issued by the provincial fire commissioner at the request of the City of Maple Ridge on March 2 so emergency officials could remove safety hazards following a series of firesat the tent city.

The evacuation order was lifted on March 11.

The city has since developed a safety plan that includes aperimeter and24-hour security at the site.

On Tuesday, Housing Minister Selina Robinson announced the province will be constructing 51 temporary modular homes on a plot of land itowns in the 11700 block of Burnett Streetin an attempt to alleviate conflicts over the homeless camp.