WATCH: The City of Vancouver is trying to solve the problem of the never-ending “sidewalk sale” on the downtown eastside. Asa Rehman reports.
A planned move of a longtime Vancouver street market is raising the ire of some who live near the proposed new site.
“We are diametrically opposed to having this on this site, or any site in Vancouver,” says Lance Burger. He’s organized a petition against a Downtown Eastside Street Market being held at a vacant lot at 501 Powell near Oppenheimer Park.
The sanctioned market is intended to replace the unsanctioned market on Hastings Street. It provides an avenue for street people to make extra money – but there are those who believe many of the items are stolen.
“Basically the city is promoting the illegal activity and sale of illegal goods, and we don’t think that’s a stepping stone to legitimate work. It’s enabling the theft and the chaos that goes along with the street crime,” said Burger.
Doug King of Pivot Legal Society says they’ve looked into those accusations.
King says one of the benefits of the new system is that it will be sanctioned and regulated, allowing claims of stolen property to be investigated more thoroughly.
“Our vision is that it will provide the neighbourhood and primarily low-income residents with opportunities for safe and legal vending, as well as other opportunities to connect with their peers, to find other sources of employment and income, to make a little bit of extra money,” said Mary Clare Zak with the City of Vancouver.
The new market is expected to open as early as June.
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