The tent encampment behind Creston’s former fire hall is being asked to move, following a lease agreement between the Town of Creston and Iron Soul Fitness.
The gym is set to reopen this month in its new, larger location at 140 10 Ave. North, offering expanded services — including 24/7 access to equipment for members.
Mayor Arnold DeBoon confirmed that the five-year lease signed on March 11 requires full access to the property, meaning the tent encampment must be relocated.
“We have asked these individuals respectfully to move on, as it interferes with parking and, with the 24/7 access, it’s just not compatible,” said DeBoon. “It’s not an easy situation. They need to find a place to occupy that doesn’t interfere with other people, and legally we can’t direct them to another spot.”
On April 30, a letter was hand-delivered to residents at the encampment, requesting they vacate the premises within seven days. The letter, signed by Creston CAO Michael Moore, acknowledged the challenges faced by unhoused individuals but emphasized the town’s obligation to provide the new commercial leaseholder full use of the property.
The Creston Valley Den Society, a volunteer-run group providing daily food and support services to the unhoused, is now helping the camp residents (approximately six) prepare to move.
“It’s very disappointing that people who are so vulnerable and struggling so much have to move again,” said board chair Nancy DeVuono. “They’re doing the best they can to be good neighbours, given the dire situation that they are in. This is very challenging, but we’re definitely not going anywhere.”
You can read the full article on the Creston Valley Advance’s website.
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