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

Almost two years after the City of Prince George destroyed parts of a court-protected encampment, it says it has settled the claims of 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 from the city-led destruction of parts of the Moccasin Flats encampment near downtown Prince George, B.C., in November 2021. 

At the time, the city said almost all residents had 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 Coval ruled that the city had "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 an agreement 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."

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 2 dozen 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.

John also said no one told her that her claim had become inactive. 

The City of Prince George confirmed to CBC News that "no other individuals" are "scheduled to receive compensation." 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 the Millennium Park encampment this summer, saying she feels the city to be "ignorant" and "heartless" in their approach to both encampments. 

John also said she 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.

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."