LETTER – The Jamieson Creek problems caused by squatters are escalating

Further correspondence regarding the concerns of residents about squatters in the Jamieson Creek corridor. This letter was written by Jayme Hallstrom in response to one from MLA Ward Stamer’s office:

Good Afternoon,

Thank you for your detailed reply and for confirming MLA Stamer’s continued advocacy with the Ministries of Forests, Environment, and SDPR. I appreciate that his office has sought updates from ministry staff and that he intends to raise this matter directly with the Minister of Forests.

That said, the most recent correspondence from June 16th to the Ministers of Forests and Environment included dated information and did not reflect the escalating situation or the lack of response to citizen reports. Over the past six weeks, more than 20 formal complaints have been submitted by residents through both the RAPP and Natural Resource Violations reporting channels — none have received acknowledgement or follow-up. This leaves our community feeling unheard and unactioned while the environmental degradation continues. The accumulation of garbage, damage to our forest, and risk to our watershed are worsening by the week.

We understand and respect the limits of an opposition MLA’s authority; however, visibility and consistent public advocacy remain critical. Residents would value seeing Mr. Stamer use media (including social media) opportunities to communicate the steps he is taking to escalate these concerns and to help guide where citizens should now focus their efforts when the standard reporting routes are failing.

Our community is not seeking to assign blame but to achieve action. We are simply asking for clear leadership and collaboration to ensure that the systems meant to protect our forests, streams, and fisheries are functioning. Continued silence from ministries and enforcement bodies erodes public confidence and leaves us with no meaningful path forward.

We look forward to hearing how MLA Stamer intends to bring greater attention to these enforcement gaps and advocate for urgent inter-ministry coordination, even in his role as a member of the opposition. While we understand he does not hold the authority to mandate action, he can continue to drive awareness, demand accountability, and press for action from those responsible for safeguarding our forests and waterways—particularly given his position as the Forestry Critic. Please keep us informed following his discussion with any of the concerned Ministries and steps he is taking to bring awareness to this growing problem.

Kind regards,

Jayme Hallstrom

The following letter was written from MLA Ward Stamer’s office on Oct. 6, 2025:

Good afternoon Jayme,

Thank you for your follow-up email regarding the ongoing issues in the Jamieson Creek area.

We recognize the frustration you and other residents are feeling regarding the lack of timely action and communication. As previously noted, MLA Stamer’s office has been in contact with the relevant ministry staff to seek clarity on the situation. We provided you with all information supplied to our office from the ministries, and to date, we have not received a response from the Ministry of SDPR, which the Ministry of Forests originally indicated is responsible for this issue.

As MLA Stamer is not part of government, he does not have the authority to enforce regulations or direct ministry operations. As an opposition MLA, his role is to represent constituents, raise issues with the relevant ministries, and advocate on their behalf. Enforcement and escalation remain the responsibility of the Ministry of Forests, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Only government Ministers and their staff have the authority to make decisions or take direct action on ministry operations.

We had intended to reply in kind after MLA Stamer’s meeting with Deputy Forest Minister, which took place this past Friday. We have been informed that this matter has been ongoing for several years, that NROs have been dispatched to the area this year, and that vehicles have been towed in the past. The Ministry is aware of the situation. We also note your recent media interviews; however, MLA Stamer was not available before the CBC interview aired, and our office was not contacted to provide information for the CFJC interview. Otherwise, he would’ve gladly shared any information our office had received.

If you or any constituent wish to discuss concerns in person, you are welcome to call our office to schedule an appointment. MLA Stamer has returned to Fall Session in Victoria today and will raise this issue with the Minister of Forests at the first opportunity. We will continue to follow up and provide any clarification or updates to the public, including to yourself.

While we understand the urgency of this issue, it is important to recognize the limits of an MLA’s authority. We encourage ongoing engagement directly with the relevant ministries to ensure concerns are addressed in a timely and effective manner.

Thank you again for your advocacy on behalf of your community. Your efforts to keep this matter visible are appreciated.

Best regards,

Suzy Lampman,
Constituency Assistant