THE City of Vancouver on Wednesday said in a statement that after weeks of discussions with community partners about the conditions on Hastings Street, its staff began working on Tuesday with those sheltering outdoors to remove structures on East Hastings Street in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) with a focus on the 100 block.
It added: “Staff are seeking to approach individuals with respect and sensitivity, encouraging and supporting voluntary removal of tents and belongings through conversation.”
The City said that its staff heard from community members on Tuesday that more clarity and information would be appreciated regarding storage and other services, as there is still some confusion regarding availability of storage options and other services. “We have concentrated our efforts today on providing this information,” it added.
The City said that at its request, members of the Vancouver Police Department were present on Tuesday to support public and staff safety while staff worked to support removal of structures. The VPD members are not involved in dismantling structures.
The City noted: “[Tuesday] afternoon’s increased police presence in the area of Main Street and Hastings Street was not as a result of the City’s effort to remove structures as per the Street and Traffic Bylaw and the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) Fire Order. To clarify, police were called by Carnegie Centre staff just before 3 p.m., who reported a man throwing computers and behaving erratically. As officers were taking him into custody, the man resisted arrest and fought with police. A large crowd gathered and became hostile and combative with the officers.
“The structures removal on Hastings Street is a complex effort and the City 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, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the Vancouver Police Department.
“We recognize that some people believe the City should not do this work, but there are significant safety risks for everyone in the neighbourhood that the City cannot ignore. We also recognize that this work will have an emotional impact on the community and everyone involved. City staff are trying to conduct the work with thoughtfulness and care of the residents and their circumstances.
“City staff have been meeting with a community-based working group at least once a week since May 2022, and more frequently with service providers, including Overdose Prevention Society and the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users over the past two weeks. In addition, staff have been distributing information flyers to the community on a regular basis. There have been three rounds of distribution, to up to 150 individuals each time. [Wednesday’s] flyer distribution is the fourth round of these efforts.”
Information on storage
The City is providing up to two large, 360 litre storage totes with wheels which means they are easy to transport, should people opt to take their belongings with them instead of having them stored. Tamper-proof labels are sealed in front noting the contents’ owners.
The City has put in place short term/day storage at 390 Main Street for the totes. In addition, a storage container at 987 E. Cordova is available for longer term storage. Items will be available for access at the Main Street location between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (except for holidays). Alternatively, calls can be made to 1-855-297-8278 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., seven days a week to arrange access to stored belongings.
“We continue to work with non profit service partners on short, medium and longer term storage options,” the City said.
Background
The City’s Street and Traffic By-law prohibits structures on sidewalks and the City enforces this by-law. The City is 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. The City said 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 continue to attend daily to clean the streets and sidewalks as much as possible.  The partnership with community partners has been integral as we address both the fire and life safety risks along these blocks,” the City said.
