Rodent infestation at former Victoria, B.C. tent city

A rodent infestation is slowing efforts to clean up the site next to Victoria's courthouse.

The area remains behind a fence now, but for months it was home to dozens of people who lived in the contentious tent city.

The tent city was shut down several weeks ago as residents moved into shelters and transitional housing in the region, but a rodent infestation was discovered when crews moved in. Pest control work is now underway to try and eradicate the problem.

The province says it has spent approximately $1.3 million to manage the site since December, 2015.

That includes fees spent on garbage collection, security, water and other services, as well as fencing and demolition.

Once the rodents are gone, provincial officials say they will start testing the soil.

At the moment there is no firm plan for the site, but discussions are underway between the province, the city and local residents.