A growing RV park near Highway 1 in North Vancouver has sparked concerns among neighbours and city officials. The site, known as Bowser Island, has become home to about a dozen people living in RVs and temporary structures.
Life at Bowser Island
William Cook, a resident of Bowser Island, said he relocated there after the RV community at CRAB Park in downtown Vancouver grew too large.
“It’s been 10 years since anybody’s used this land for anything else,” said Cook, who has lived at Bowser Island for about a year.
Cook, who chooses to live in an RV, explained that the high cost of living in Vancouver makes it difficult to get by.
“It’s hard to make ends meet in this city,” he said. “Not everybody living in an RV is a terrible person or a menace to society.”
Neighbourhood Concerns
Residents, however, have voiced growing concerns. The site lacks water, power, and sewage services.
More critically, the area poses a safety risk due to its challenging access point. Vehicles must navigate a dangerous turn-off across the busy highway.
“For us, it’s primarily an issue of safety,” said Colin Metcalfe with the Pemberton Heights Community Association.
Metcalfe noted that the area previously housed homes, which were removed due to safety concerns. Despite that, RVs and cars continue to come and go.
“We’ve seen close calls, and we’re worried that one day there will be a serious or fatal accident,” Metcalfe warned.
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The Risky Turn-off
The entrance to Bowser Island is located just off the Capilano Road exit on Upper Levels Highway. Metcalfe emphasized that vehicles traveling at high speeds may struggle to avoid a stopped RV or car waiting to turn.
“You have to cross a double yellow line to access the area,” Metcalfe added.
Officials Respond
Cook believes the city is overstating the risks to justify removing the residents.
“Me and my little bit of mess here are a safety issue compared to the big picture? I don’t see it,” Cook said.
The land is owned by the B.C. Transportation Ministry, and Minister Mike Farnworth confirmed that plans are underway to relocate the campers.
“It’s about finding them an alternative place to go,” Farnworth said.
Once the relocation is complete, the ministry plans to clean up and secure the site with restrictions or a gate.
नमस्ते, मेरा नाम अमित वर्मा है। मैं हिंदी में सरकारी योजनाओं और स्कीम्स से जुड़ी ताज़ा खबरें और जानकारी साझा करता हूं। राजस्थान का निवासी होने के नाते, मेरा उद्देश्य आपको सभी सरकारी योजनाओं की सटीक और सरल जानकारी प्रदान करना है।