Growing calls to clear Richmond encampment

It might not be visible from the road, but several makeshift homes have been pitched under the Oak Street Bridge in Richmond.

Local politicians want it to change.

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During Question Period in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Conservative MLA Teresa Wat asked, “When will this NDP government, finally, finally act?” 

Wat is one of three Richmond Conservative MLAs who say there’s been no meaningful government action for years to address the encampment.

Wat is citing a lack of readily available support to those sheltering there and a stream of concerns she had heard from constituents.

“They have been experiencing an increase in crime and unsafe activities there, open drug use, discarded needles, vandalism, and aggressive behaviour towards pedestrians,” Wat told CityNews in an interview.

Land owned by Ministry of Transportation and Transit

The land itself is owned by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.

This has bound the hands of the City of Richmond, which has been seeking provincial support to address the situation for years.

“It has not happened to this point, and the situation is only getting worse,” said Richmond Mayor Malcom Brodie.

Brodie says fire hazards, public safety risks, and a fatality in 2023 all call for action.

The Minister of Housing, Christine Boyle, said in a statement, “We continue to monitor the situation at the Oak Street Bridge in Richmond, and we continue to work to address safety concerns as needed.”

She adds that there are approximately eight people known to be sheltering at the bridge location.

“A lot of these people just do not have enough to live day to day,” said Stephanie Scramstad, who works for Refugee Church as an after-hours outreach worker.

She says she has seen the homeless population double since she began working in the community.

“We do have a couple of temporary winter shelters here, and one at the Salvation Army that has 60 beds, but that’s just not enough.”

While the province says it is working with partnering agencies to find a solution, Wat says Richmond residents deserve a firm plan with real timelines.