BC Trailer Park Residents Face Eviction by K’omoks First Nation

COMOX, B.C.—Residents of the Queneesh Mobile Home Park in Comox, B.C., have been told by the K’ómoks First Nation, on whose land the park sits, that they have less than two years to evacuate.

William Hunt, who has lived in the park for nearly three decades, said the notice of eviction has created significant stress for his family.

“What am I going to do? Not much to do. There’s no housing right now,” Hunt said while standing alongside his wife Kelsey and their young daughter, as well as their dog Coda.

Park resident Lydia Lomas and her husband Michael Tomlinson, a K’ómoks member, said they received the notice as Tomlinson is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

“Twenty-two months? That’s not even enough for people to put their names on low-income housing or for a seniors’ home,” Lomas said.

The park, which contains 37 trailers and houses more than 100 people, sits on K’ómoks land. The First Nation recently built a large housing development on land adjoining the park.

In a March 4 press release, the K’ómoks First Nation said the closure is necessary to address housing needs for its members.

“Queneesh Trailer Park (QTP), located on K’ómoks First Nation (KFN) reserve lands, will be closing on January 31, 2028, to begin to make way for much-needed housing and services for Nation members,” the First Nation said.

50 Years in Operation

Many residents said the timeline and compensation offered leave them with few options, noting that a number of residents still carry loans on their trailer units as well. Others said they put significant savings into developing the units, believing they would be there long-term. The trailer park has been operating for about 50 years. 

Residents said they have been offered a small waiver for costs of moving their units and cleaning their properties, but that this won’t be enough to cover all the necessary expenses.

The Epoch Times contacted the K’ómoks First Nation for comment but didn’t hear back.

Valerie Bell, who has lived in the park for nearly 20 years with her husband Stan, said they had hoped to spend the rest of their lives there.

“We came here for our forever home, and I’m sad,” Bell said. The Bells said they moved to Canada from the U.K. and that they’ve loved it here, but believe the issues of land ownership have created divisions.  

“We became Canadian citizens because we liked it and loved it, and now here we are,” Valerie Bell said.

The Bells said they understand the First Nation owns the land but believe the current offer is inadequate.

“We’re on their land. That’s fine, but what they’ve offered us is just absolutely rubbish,” said Stan Bell, adding that the waiver would amount to around $11,000 but the cost of clearing the land, moving their unit, and trying to find a new place to live will cost at least $15,000 to $20,000 more than that.

The First Nation said in its March 4 statement that after 50 years, the park needs “significant upgrades,” and that it wants to create more housing units in line with its “long-term housing priorities for the Nation.”

“The Nation’s focus is on responsibly stewarding the Nation’s lands, while addressing the immediate and long-term housing needs of our members,” the First Nation said.