We realize that moving them on just creates a problem somewhere else, and have tried to be tolerant, but the problem is increasing, seemingly without check, and those of us who walk (and clean up after) our dogs are being gradually constricted into a smaller and smaller area so our dogs are not at risk from contaminated garbage, broken glass, etc.
Today one of the campers called out not to leash our dogs on his account - he was “fine with dogs” he just didn’t like it when they [pooped] on “my space”. Actually the dogs were being leashed for their own protection - from his garbage! But his comment was telling - that particular bit of public space was “his” space as far as he was concerned!
Most of us are, and have for years been, local residents/taxpayers, and many of us have nowhere else to take our dogs for exercise. We are in the park almost every day, fair weather and foul, sometimes twice a day, have been active in community clean-ups, and have tried very hard to turn a blind eye to an escalating problem, but are increasingly distressed (and some are angry) at the gradual loss of use of our once lovely park.
It is unpleasant and unproductive, not to mention potentially dangerous for any of us to try and deal with the campers ourselves, we NEED some police intervention on a sufficiently regular basis to prevent the area becoming another Pandora Ave or Beacon Hill Park at its worst.

Saanich Police Response:

Hi Diana,

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.  Our Mountain Bike Squad members do conduct patrols of the Saanich Parks, but we do rely on the local resident knowledge to inform us of the problem camps.  I will notify our Mountain Bike Squad of the complaint for enhanced patrols of the area and I would recommend that you call in the camps when you feel they have become intolerable.  If there are six current camps in the park you should provide a written statement with a map of the camps so our members are able to find them easier.  You can either call in the complaint or attend our front counter.

Take care.

Response by Cst UNDERWOOD 

A friend from Oregon state will be staying with me while she goes to UVic. She is here for 4 years to do an Undergrad. Her car and DL are both registered and licensed in Oregon. Does she need to change over the car’s plates and her DL? and if so, how long does she have? Thanks, Beth

Saanich Police Response:

Hi Beth,

If your friend is staying in BC strictly as a “full-time student” then she does not have to obtain a BC drivers licence, but once she has becomes a “part time student” or a permanent resident of BC then she has 90 days to obtain a BC drivers licence.  Refer to Section 34 of the Motor Vehicle Act for the drivers licence laws.

Regarding vehicle insurance please refer to Post #1973, because it has a similar question regarding how long a vehicle can be driven in BC without BC insurance.

Thanks for the question.

Response by Cst UNDERWOOD

Saanich Police Response:

Hi John,

I would recommend that you contact a local Sheriff’s Office for confirmation of their ability to issue a violation ticket, because I know that their authority on this topic is changing in various jurisdictions and I do not want to post incorrect information.

Thanks.

Response by Cst UNDERWOOD

Saanich Police Response:

Hi Dave,

I will pass your complaint to both our Traffc Safety Unit and IRSU for enhanced intersection enforcement.

Thanks.

Response by Cst UNDERWOOD

Saanich Police Response:

Thanks for the additional information.

Response by Cst UNDERWOOD

Saanich Police Response:

I would send an email to Cst Petra DORNBLUT, of our Crime Prevention Unit, and enquire with her.  Cst DORNBLUT is more likely to be aware if a form exists because of her expertise in Crime Prevention.  Cst DORNBLUT can be reached at pdornblut@saanichpolice.ca.

Take care.

Response by Cst UNDERWOOD

Saanich Police Response:

Hi Jim,

Unfortunately there isn’t too much you can do if the person is a property owner.  If the person is complaining to the police each police response is documented, so we will start to notice if a pattern is developing (weather the calls are founded or unfounded).  Have you or your neighbours attempted to speak with him.  If not I would start there, BUT it is important not to escalate the situation and not to start a yelling match.  If the situation starts to escalate then leave.

Thanks.

Response by Cst UNDERWOOD

Saanich Police Response:

Hi Neighbourly.

I believe a previous post, Post #1834, has the information you are looking for.  Cst DUKESHIRE outlines at the end of the post what police action is available to you.

I hope that provides some assistance.

Response by Cst UNDERWOOD