Occupants of Cochrane Pond Park have 48 hours to get out, City of St. John's says 

The City of St. John's is ordering everyone out of Cochrane Pond Park, located just off of the Trans-Canada Highway on the outskirts of the city.

Coun. Sandy Hickman, the city's lead for regulatory services, says the city received a number of complaints from some of the campground's users. 

These complaints led to multiple inspections and the decision to close the park.

Hickman says the city found several deficiencies. 

"Many of [the deficiencies] are life safety and that is obviously a primary concern for the city and the fire department," Hickman told reporters on Wednesday.

The park is provincially owned and has been licensed to a private owner since 2023. Notices to fix the issues were sent to the owner, but Hickman says the concerns were not properly addressed.

WATCH | Users of Cochrane Pond Park have 48 hours to pack up and leave: 

Residents of Cochrane Pond Campground told to vacate as city cites “life safety” issues

2 days ago

Duration 2:09

Dozens of residents of Cochrane Pond Family Campground have been told to vacate the park within 48 hours, as the City of St. John’s ordered the park closed. Recent inspections uncovered “life safety” issues, and the city says it has to act against the numbered company that owns the park. It’s unknown how many people live at the park, and the city acknowledges that moving will be difficult for many.

Hickman says the park is not supposed to be used as permanent housing, but the city suspects some occupants may stay there full-time. 

"I can understand some people have a tough time and maybe they're extending their season or even staying year-round. But officially, it is a seasonal site and that's our awareness," he said.

The park holds 187 camp sites. Hickman says he isn't sure how many people are actually in there.

He says the city is aware some occupants will not be able to fully vacate within the 48 hours and that will be handled case-by-case.  

"We are very flexible with the 48 hours," Hickman said. "Some of them have a lot of equipment there."

Hickman says the city is not sure how long occupants will have to leave the park for. He said the park cannot re-open until all concerns and issues are fixed. 

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