Some Calgary RV campers frustrated with city decision to not pursue permanent spot for motorhomes

Some Calgary campers are frustrated after the city put forward a recommendation to council not to pursue a permanent site for them to park their RVs.

“It’s fairly disappointing considering the housing affordability and availability that everyone is going through that they’re still not coming up for solutions for people that are displaced,” said camper James Wright. “But now to turn around and say they’re not going to give it anymore consideration—it was waste of time and a slap in the face.”

Tuesday’s decision came in a battle nearly a year old between RV owners and the city.

Wright is on AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) and tells CityNews that health issues led to nerve damage in his feet, making him unable to work at his job as a millwright.

“The only option was to go onto AISH. I went from making $95,000 a year to making $21,000,” he said. “On top of it, I got kicked out of my house so a developer can knock it down and build up a three story eight plex right in the heart of Ogden.

“I can’t find a place to rent for under $1,500.”

According to a report from the City of Calgary, on-street RV occupancy is rare, and the city says fewer than half of those surveyed say the would relocate.

Site analyses found high development costs and long development times, which led to the decision not to look into a permanent area for the campers.

The report will be given to council at a committee meeting on Thursday.

For now, Wright only has one simple ask.

“We just want the right to live without being constantly chased by the police or complained about by people who have no business complaining about it,” he said. “Just complaining to complain.”