B.C. homeless campers will have early wake-up call

Homeless people seeking overnight shelter in Victoria's city parks can expect early morning wake-up calls from police officers.

Victoria Police Sgt. Grant Hamilton says a B.C. Supreme Court ruling that permits homeless people to camp overnight in parks doesn't extend to setting up permanent tent cities.

Police have arrested five people at Beacon Hill Park and issued $100 tickets to three people who pitched tents.

Victoria is appealing last week's court decision, but until the appeal is heard the city will permit camping in parks from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

It's estimated there are up to 1,000 homeless people in the Victoria area.

University of Victoria law professor Benjamin Berger says the court decision could spark a nationwide political and social debate on the issue of homelessness.

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  Homeless advocates set up camp on the lawn outside City Hall during a demonstration in Vancouver, B.C., on Thursday, October 16, 2008. The group plans to camp out until Saturday as part of Homeless Awareness Week. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

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  Homeless advocates set up camp on the lawn outside City Hall during a demonstration in Vancouver, B.C., on Thursday, October 16, 2008. The group plans to camp out until Saturday as part of Homeless Awareness Week. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

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  Zippy has lived on the streets for the last 17 years.