THE City of Vancouver announced on Tuesday that its staff will begin working with those sheltering outdoors to remove structures on East Hastings between Gore Avenue and Abbott Street in the Downtown Eastside (DTES).

The removal of structures will begin with the highest risk areas and is expected to continue over the coming weeks. The City has also arranged temporary storage to secure people’s personal belongings.

The City said that this is a complex effort and it appreciates the work of the many community organizations and social enterprises who have been contributing expertise and effort as well as the support of BC Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health.

“We recognize that this work will have an emotional impact on the community and everyone involved. City staff will be seeking to conduct the work with thoughtfulness and care of the residents and their circumstances,” the City said.

It asked the media to be sensitive to the needs of those sheltering outdoors as well as staff and community partners in the area at this time. “If gathering footage, media are asked to take a trauma-informed approach and respect requests for distance and/or instructions by City staff or police while filming,” it added.

The City’s Street and Traffic By-law prohibits structures on sidewalks and the City enforces this by-law. The City said it was also responding to Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) Fire Order issued on July 25 ordering the removal of structures in the area due to fire risk. It added that it has been working with the community, non-profit organizations and those with lived experience on a thoughtful, phased approach for structure removal to adhere to the order.

“Our crews also continue to attend daily to clean the streets and sidewalks as much as possible and the partnership with community partners has been integral as we address both the fire and life safety risks along these blocks,” the City said.

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