Burnaby activists barricade themselves in empty apartment building to protest ‘demovictions’

Housing advocates in Burnaby are protesting against so-called “demovictions” by barricading themselves in a vacant apartment building.

The Alliance Against Displacement is occupying an empty low-rise apartment building on the 5000-block of Imperial Street that is slated for demolition to make way for high-rise condos.

READ MORE: Activists call for Burnaby to save older apartment buildings from demolition

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RCMP had said they wouldn’t interfere until the building’s owner received a court injunction, but demonstrators say police tried to arrest them overnight.

According to Burnaby RCMP, no one has been arrested as of yet as the situation is ongoing.

READ MORE: Police called to Burnaby City Hall after protesters disrupt public hearing on rezoning

Activists are demanding the city put an immediate moratorium on the destruction of affordable rental units.

“We ask them to please do something for the people around the Metrotown area to get some kind of homes or replacements for the buildings that they’re allowing to be demolished right now,” organizer Kaye Bedford said.

The group says on its Facebook page that “this occupation is merely the first of many to come.”