Nearly 2 years after destroying encampment, City of Prince George settles claims of some former residents - Action News
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British Columbia

Nearly 2 years after destroying encampment, City of Prince George settles claims of some former residents

The City of Prince George said it has settled claims filed by seven people, and dismissed dozens more, following the city-led destruction of a court-protected encampment near downtown Prince George in November 2021.

Moccasin Flats residents said they weren't given enough time to pack, possessions would be thrown out if left

Two women stand in front of a blurred background
Darleen LaRose, left, and her daughter Jacqueline John stand outside Prince George City Hall. They both say they lost items, some of sentimental value, when the city demolished part of the Moccasin Flats encampment in 2021. (Kate Partridge/CBC News)

Almost two years after the City of Prince George destroyed parts of a court-protected encampment, itsaysit has settled the claimsof seven people over the damage or loss of their belongings and that there are "no additional active claims," despite 33 people having submitted claims for compensation.

The claims stem fromthe city-led destruction of parts of theMoccasin Flats encampmentnear downtown Prince George, B.C., in November 2021.

At the time, the city saidalmost all residentshad moved to the Knights Inn housing complex,and that the items that were disposed were abandoned at the encampment.

But residents said they were not given enough time to pack and that they were not told their possessions would be thrown out if left behind.

The city later apologized after B.C. Supreme Court Justice Covalruled that the cityhad "inflicted serious harm on vulnerable people."

Darleen LaRose, 55, told CBC News she received compensation from the city but is unable to speak about it because she had to sign anagreement before they would release the cheque to her.

"I signed it just because I was desperate. I needed money for food," said LaRose. "I still feed everybody here [at the Knights Inn], like I did at Moccasin Flats."

A woman standing, holding a small dog in a red t-shirt
Darleen LaRose was one of the first occupants of the encampment, and named it Moccasin Flats. She says her dog, Misty, has been her companion throughout the trauma of losing personal belongings in the city-led destruction. (Kate Partridge/CBC News)

In a written response to CBC News, the city said the amount of each claim is confidential.

"The specific details of these claims, including the identities of the parties, nature of the claims and the terms of any resolution, are private and confidential under the terms of the agreed-upon resolutions," it reads.

LaRose said while she can't disclose the amount she was given, it is a small fraction of what she feels she is owed.

More than 2dozen claims outstanding

Not everyone who filed a claim with the city received compensation.

Jacqueline John, 32, said she was sleeping when she heard people outside destroying a nearby tent she used for storage. John LaRose's daughter and neighbour at Moccasin Flats is one of 33 people who submitted claims to the city, for the damage or loss of their belongings,more than a year ago.

A woman stands near a tree, wearing braids
Jacqueline John, 32, says she's still grieving the loss of sentimental items, like a blanket her children made for her and mementos from friends who have died. (Kate Partridge/CBC News)

John also said no one told her that her claim had becomeinactive.

The City of Prince George confirmed to CBC News that "no other individuals" are "scheduled to receivecompensation." However, the city said it remains "open to addressing currently inactive claims which it received notice of but were not pursued through to resolution."

John compared what happened to her at Moccasin Flats to the demolition of theMillennium Park encampmentthis summer, sayingshe feels the city to be "ignorant" and "heartless" in their approach to both encampments.

John also saidshe worked hard to make her space at Moccasin Flats comfortable and safe.

More important to her than the financial loss, however, were the items without monetary value, she said especially a blanket her children had made for her, and possessions she had been entrusted with by loved ones.

"My friend that just passed away, all her stuff was in that one tent. I was supposed to give it to her parents," John told CBC News.

Brown brick building with words
The City of Prince George told CBC News that no other individuals are 'scheduled to receive compensation' but that it is 'open to addressing currently inactive claims.' (Andrew Kurjata/CBC)

In a written statement, the city said it made improvements "in both its processes and its communications with property occupants,"and that Millennium Park encampment residents were given written notice of the plan to remove the encampment, and more time to prepare.

"There's trust issues when moving stuff from one place, and having people watching the other stuff to make sure nothing is taken," John said.

"It's really hard moving."