In a shocking turn of events, the City of St. John’s has issued an urgent evacuation order for Cochrane Pond Park, a beloved camping destination in the metro area. This drastic measure comes amidst alarming safety concerns that have prompted officials to act swiftly.

Although Cochrane Pond Park is owned by the province, it has operated under private management for several years, following a longstanding lease agreement that dates back to 1996. The park boasts over 180 campsites along with a main office and cozy cabins.

City officials have discovered a troubling number of safety deficiencies, prompting the park's owner to be given an opportunity to make necessary repairs. Unfortunately, these efforts have not materialized, leading to the current crisis.

Councillor Sandy Hickman has scheduled a press conference this afternoon to shed light on the situation and discuss what’s next for park users.

The city has raised alarms over the critical fire risk, given two significant fire incidents reported in the past few months—one occurring in December and another in January.

With only 48 hours to vacate, many campers are now scrambling to find immediate shelter. This poses a unique challenge, especially for those who reside on-site, as the park was never intended to serve as a permanent housing solution.

As the situation unfolds, residents are left wondering about the future of this cherished park and the safety measures that will be implemented to protect visitors.