The City of Penticton says its ability to respond to safety hazards at a long-standing homeless encampment is severely limited because the site sits on land owned by the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Transit, leaving municipal fire and bylaw authorities without enforcement jurisdiction.
In recent days, flames have ripped through structures at the Fairview Homeless Encampment, with at least two separate fires reported by local fire crews — believed to be linked to residents using portable heating devices or indoor fire pits to stay warm in cold winter conditions. Fire Chief Mike Larsson noted that fire crews have responded to about 80 fire-related calls at the site since last March, reinforcing concerns about both the safety of those sheltering outdoors and the risk to nearby property and travellers.
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Despite the frequency of these incidents, Penticton’s municipal bylaws on fire prevention and public safety do not apply on the encampment’s provincial land, meaning city officials can only offer education and outreach on fire safety rather than enforce standards or clear the site. “Jurisdictionally, we have some challenges there,” explained Mayor Julius Bloomfield, highlighting that ultimate responsibility falls to the provincial government.
The provincial Ministry of Housing, speaking on behalf of the transportation ministry, acknowledged the hazardous conditions at the Fairview Road and Highway 97 encampment, stating it is unsafe for both those sheltering outdoors and the surrounding community. Officials say they are working to develop plans to close the encampment safely in collaboration with relevant ministries.
With temperatures expected to drop further, fire and public safety officials warn that the hazards at the encampment could increase, prompting calls for coordinated efforts and additional shelter capacity. The city has indicated that existing shelter locations are nearing capacity, but additional spaces will be made available as colder weather persists.
Bloomfield and other community leaders stress that the situation reflects broader housing and support challenges in the region, pointing to a need for more comprehensive solutions to homelessness rather than piecemeal enforcement or short-term responses
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