Vancouver Park Board votes on tightening up rules on encampments

The amendments come just days after cleanup and repair work was done to Crab Park, with 16 people moving back into a designated area. The changes being brought in allow for only camping tents or canopies to be set up. Structures are no longer allowed. Shelters cannot be under trees or near bodies of water. The bylaw also allows for the inspection of tents in designated shelter areas with 24 hours notice to prevent the storage of dangerous goods. I thought the bylaws last night, they tread a very fine line about keeping people safe who are encamped in our parks. And they do have a constitutional right to be in our parks because there’s not enough housing. And until we get the housing problem fixed, then there’s going to be people encamped in our parks. The board endorsed the changes, citing the growing number of temporary dwellings and their impact to park space. Part of this by law is looking at Crab Park, but it’s also looking at every single park across this city. And trying to ensure that the interactions that staff have with individuals that are sheltering our parks is done in a compassionate manner. Commissioners also asked staff to reach out to the province, asking to create a working group focused on park encampments. But the BC Civil Liberties Association is raising concerns, and homelessness advocates are also speaking out. It’s challenging for them. I see that. But we need to work together instead of, like, closing off things. I I find them. Inhumane. These are the decisions I find them inconsiderate. All overnight camping also restricted at Queen Elizabeth Park and Van Dusen Garden and camping is not allowed within 25 meters of a playground, school or childcare facility. Andrea McPherson, Global News.