New tents on East Hastings being cleared by Vancouver crews

More tents are being removed days after another forced displacement effort began on East Hastings Street in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Several new tents and structures popped up in the area of Main and Hastings overnight Monday into Tuesday, April 11.

Crews were seen later in the day carrying out work to remove people from the stretch of road. Vancouver Police officers were also on the scene as city staff carried out their work.

The city has previously said it was going to monitor the situation. City Manager Paul Mochrie said last week the city’s engineering crews would “continue to do the work that they do every day” to remove shelters and tents along sidewalks, which are “contrary to city bylaws.”

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“You know, our hope is that we can get this done today. But again, we’re going to do it in a way that’s respectful and measured and non-confrontational,” Mochrie said at a news conference on April 5.

“This is a critically unsafe situation. And our objective is to have this resolved [as quickly as] possible.”

While the forced displacement effort continues, more tents can be seen popping up in neighbourhoods surrounding the initial encampment, as those who were displaced from East Hastings attempt to find a new home.

Between 10 to 15 tents could be found lined up along Dunlevy Avenue near Powell Street, right next to Oppenheimer Park.

One woman who lives nearby – wishing to remain anonymous – told CityNews she isn’t bothered by seeing new people move into the area, even if they are living on the street in a tent.

“I don’t think the city’s gone about it in a very helpful way, it’s complicated, but, I feel like these people should have a place to stay,” she said, adding there is an obvious need for more housing.

“It’s not happening, and it’s just like, I don’t know what [the city] is thinking by moving people off East Hastings. Nothing [the city] has done is in the best interest of anyone I don’t think.”

She says that despite reports of increased violence in the area, she feels safe.

“There’s folks going in to get help and use the resources in the area and I’m walking around with my dog, by myself, to be honest, I’ve never felt in danger or threatened.”

Meanwhile, shelters in Vancouver have expressed an overwhelming level of volume following last Wednesday’s forced displacement of East Hastings.

The president of the Union Gospel Mission said on Monday, that Vancouver’s forced shutdown of the East Hastings encampment added another layer of stress to its staff as they put mats in hallways for the overflow of those needing shelter.

Additionally, Salvation Army Belkin House has confirmed to CityNews both the men’s and women’s shelter is at capacity, adding that it has extended its emergency weather sheltering in response to the displacement.

-With files from The Canadian Press