Groups say street checks should be banned completely because they are an example of systemic racism and disproportionately affect Black people, Indigenous people and people of colour.

Kennedy Stewart did not give an answer when repeatedly asked about the number of communications staff the city already employs.

Mayor Kennedy Stewart says he wants the campers to move into temporary modular housing, then moderate income units. Critics don't buy it.

Vancouver's 2020 budget, which will be voted on by council Tuesday, includes money for 25 new police officers and 10 new civilian employees.

Kennedy Stewart said Vancouver is still seeing an average of one overdose-related death every day, making the need for new solutions critical.

"There's no place for handguns in cities and we should get rid of them," said Kennedy Stewart.

Nearby residents who live in social housing say they've lost their only accessible green space, which is already in short supply in the Downtown Eastside.

Vancouver's mayor says there's no immediate plans to seek an injunction to clear a homeless camp from the park.

"At this point, we're trying to get everybody housing, that's the main thing," said Mayor Kennedy Stewart.

As planning moves ahead for the SkyTrain expansion to UBC, Kitsilano will be need to increase density to accommodate future growth, residents say.