Province delivers eviction notices to Victoria's courthouse campers

The B.C. government has issuedeviction notices to about 100 campers on the Victoria Courthouse front lawn, while opening up new shelter options for them.

The campers have been livingintents and temporary structures over the last few months. But on Friday morning, provincial officials showed up with notices ordering them to leave by Feb. 25, citing safety concerns.

At the same time, the province hasannounced more housing options for people in need.In a statement,the government promised to provide 88 more transitional housing and shelter beds, along with funding for 40 rent supplements.

Fifty shelter units will be opened at the former Victoria Youth Custody Centre on Talcott Road in the suburb ofView Royal. And 38 transitional housing units will also be opened at a former senior'scare home around the corner from the tent city.

Both those facilities are expected to be operatingby Feb. 23., before the eviction notices take effect, the statement said.

"We have created these additional living spaces and are providing support services to help homeless individuals take an important step to find permanent, stable housing, said Rich Coleman, the minister responsible for housing.

"I hope that people take this opportunity to make meaningful changes in their lives."

Some people at the tent city were upset at the idea of moving to a formerjail. A handful burnedtheir eviction notices in protest on Friday and many are vowing to stay put.