Editor:
Your March 31 article regarding the encampment in Sechelt was very interesting. We trust you will give equal coverage (full page) to the neighbours living next door to the encampment.
This article brings to light the fact that a temporarily closed shelter and a lack of affordable housing are not always to blame for encampments.
Standing on private property, in front of a massive pile of easily identifiable stolen items, Mr. Schmidt made it clear he does not want to live where “I have to answer to them and live by their rules” and went on to cite concerns for “theft and a lack of privacy”!
Mr. Schmidt also clarified that he “moved here.” From where? We keep hearing all of the homeless are locals. Apparently not all. He said, “We have a right to live here and call this our home.” Really? My understanding is, you are camped on private land (trespassing) and the owner of the land is being punished for it. How is that fair?
Looking forward to next week’s view, from the other side.
H. Richardson, Sechelt
