The City of Vancouver says it has found housing for 70 more campers at Oppenheimer Park.
A release from the city of Vancouver says 40 of the campers have already been placed in existing housing. Still, over 100 tents remain in the park and it remains unusable to area residents who are not involved in the encampment.
The city says campers “who wish to move to the shelter spaces now available” will be assisted by city staff. Their belongings will also be relocated by city crews.
City of Vancouver spokesperson Tobin Postma says the number of campers and tents in the park is “pretty fluid,” but there are approximately 220-250 tents and between 160 and 170 people sleeping overnight in the park. Of those, between 100 and 105 are homeless. So far, 40 people have been placed into housing.
Postma says city staff continue to meet with campers to discuss the return of the park to public use.
“Both sides share the same immediate concerns about safety and adequate shelter for homeless individuals involved in the protest and the City is committed to working to resolve their housing issues.”
One of the new shelters with spaces that are immediately available for Oppenheimer campers is the former “A Kettle of Fish” restaurant at Pacific Street and Hornby Street. 40 campers will be moved into the former restaurant immediately. The City of Vancouver owns the former property located in an upscale neighbourhood.
The city says the shelter will be “low barrier,” meaning residents can bring their pets and belongings, and abstinence from drugs and alcohol will not be required to stay at the shelter.
In 2009, a controversial temporary, no-barrier shelter under the Granville Street bridge was closed early by the city after neigbourhood residents complained about open drug use, public urination and aggressive panhandling, among other issues. The new ‘Kettle of Fish shelter’ is two blocks away from the now-closed shelter in the same Downtown South neighbourhood.
The city says they have sent a notification letter to area residents and businesses, most of whom “have been very supportive.”
Postma says a minimum of two staff will be inside the shelter during its hours of operation with additional security on site, and that the resident manager has “extensive experience” providing housing for the homeless.
In addition to the new temporary shelters, more housing is now coming on stream as well. Projects at Broadway and Fraser, and at 111 Princess are scheduled to open in November, adding another 249 units.
The city says they are meeting regularly with campers in the hopes of finding a solution. Police and fire crews are also monitoring the park 24/7.
Vancouver Police spokesperson Brian Montague says they are dealing with problems on a case-by-case basis, and that any additional police costs would be “fairly minimal.”
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