Moncton — Giving the Albert Street campsite their official eviction notice, the City of Moncton has declared camping season finished until spring of 2020.
“If these people are such camping aficionados, they can look into backcountry or winter camping options available in designated spaces such as Fundy National Park or Kouchibouguac,” said city councillor Rene Ballard.
“If they don’t like roughing it to that extent, they can rent a yurt or a chalet. And, of course, they’re free to go home. Personally, I can’t stand camping for more than a few days. I miss my Netflix and my hot shower and my dishwasher too much. I don’t know how they do it for months at a time!”
Ballard continued by saying that the city would like to suggest the happy campers move on with their lives.
“Our tolerance for tents in public spaces is lowering. And so is our tolerance for campfires, s’mores, roasted marshmallows, telling ghost stories and singing Kumbaya. There’s a time and a place for these things, and that time is summer, and the place is any official campground in New Brunswick.”
Moncton resident Ruth Harrison said she loves camping with her family, but believes that during fall, upstanding citizens should focus more on autumn-specific activities.
“I enjoy the great outdoors as much as the next person, but this isn’t even a real campground — there’s no swimming pool, there’s no maintained bathroom facility, no convenience store. What’s the appeal?
“It’s not even sunny and warm out now — and there’s nowhere to canoe or hike anywhere near their little campground. The leaves are changing colours and to me that’s a signal that they should get a new hobby.”
Our reporter wandered over to the “campsite” in an attempt to get a camper’s perspective on the situation.
“I don’t know how many times I have to say it — I’m not camping for fun; I don’t have a home,” said Ben Jardine, who is staying in the “tent city” until he can find a place to live.
“Yesterday some city official came by to see if we wanted to book ‘2020 season passes’ for our ‘campground’ in advance…Like, what? You do realize half of us will freeze to death before then, right?”