Frustrations mount for Calgary RV residents as temporary permits to expire soon
Posted Nov 17, 2024 3:17 pm.
Last Updated Nov 17, 2024 3:18 pm.
RV owners who call Moraine Road in northeast Calgary home are frustrated over a lack of communication with the city as their temporary parking permits are set to expire.
Temporary parking permits were issued to the motorhome owners in September. Some have been there for years due to a lack of affordable housing. However, those permits will expire on Nov. 21.
Victor LaRock tells CityNews the City of Calgary hasn’t communicated with them since, not letting them know what’s next for the RV owners.
“I haven’t heard word one about it. Absolutely nothing,” he said.
“Nobody has contacted us. They showed up here with the permits … they haven’t bothered to contact us or anything.”
LaRock has lived in his RV for the past 10 years and says it’s becoming a problem where he chooses to reside.
He says all the residents on Moraine Road are fed up and are worried about what will happen next.
“And for safety, I have been here 10 years, I have never had anyone clip my RV or run into it or anything like that,” he said. “I have been here 10 years, how is it unsafe all of a sudden?”
“We’re standing firm with the fact that we have exceptions until they come up with a solution.”
Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot said in September that the city was considering developing a more long-term option for the RV owners in the next three months.
A land use change would be required to certify the site. However, Chabot said those living in motorhomes and trailers would ideally have a place to connect to necessary services.
He also said the city’s traffic engineers indicated the street where the motorhomes are currently parked isn’t safe.
Meanwhile, LaRock says he will stand his ground and stay until a decision is made.
“It doesn’t matter what anyone else does, we aren’t moving, plain and simple,” he said.
“We don’t know of other places to go to, we don’t want to start from scratch again, fighting the battles. We have already been fighting the battle here and we are going to stay here until the battle is won or lost either way.”
In a statement to CityNews, the city has reportedly been working with the RV owners to transition away from the site because parking won’t be permitted starting Nov. 22 for “necessary maintenance.”
“Crews will repair potholes, remove debris, and restore the boulevard, ensuring the space remains clean, safe, and accessible. ‘No Parking’ signs will also be installed to ensure the area remains clear, supporting large vehicles that need to maneuver safely,” the statement reads.
“Our goal is to balance the needs of all Calgarians by maintaining public safety, enhancing community access and preserving city infrastructure.”
With files from Tiffany Goodwein and Edward Djan
