Tag Archives: Tent Cities

After 13 Fatalities: Victoria housing advocates and residents pull no punches with City council

By Sidney Coles, Capital Daily, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Things got heated between community housing advocates, unhoused residents, and Victoria City Council last Thursday night. For members of the public who presented at the Dec. 12 meeting, it was an opportunity to express their anger, frustration, and deep sorrow in the face of the deaths of several of their friends and chosen family in recent weeks. Their grief and anger were palpable. And they were righteous.

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Unions Criticize Vancouver’s Continuing Tent Sweeps

By  Zak Vescera, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Vancouver’s continuing efforts to remove tents from the Downtown Eastside has drawn criticism from some unions and many of the  municipality’s own workers.   

Unions representing  hospital staff, shelter workers and even employees who began clearing  the tents on East Hastings Street on April 5 have condemned the approach  of city and police, saying it left displaced residents in an even more  desperate situation. 

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Unhoused displaced from DTES encampment due to City of Vancouver ‘safety concerns’

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With concerns for ‘fire, life and safety’ the City of Vancouver, with help from the Vancouver Police Department are conducting a sweep in an effort to close an illegal encampment where approximately 80 tent structures stand along Hastings Street in the city’s notorious Downtown Eastside.

Continue reading Unhoused displaced from DTES encampment due to City of Vancouver ‘safety concerns’

Town Bylaw change to allow overnight sheltering for Smithers’ homeless population

By Pamela Haasen, Smithers Community Radio CICK 93.9 FM, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

The town of Smithers is reviewing a 94 year old bylaw regarding temporary  overnight sheltering options in 12 areas of town-owned land. 

The areas are: Veterans Peace Park, Heritage Park, Elks Park, Pacific Street and Tatlow Road, Dogwood Park, Ranger Park, Tatlow Road North, The Fall Fair grounds, Central Park, Riverside Park, vacant lots at Queen Street and Alfred Avenue, and vacant 3 lots at 3873 4th Avenue.

Residents who live within 60 meters of any of the aforementioned sites received a letter indicating this possible the bylaw change.

Continue reading Town Bylaw change to allow overnight sheltering for Smithers’ homeless population

Toronto’s Unhoused and Unprepared: No Vacancy

By Katia Galati and Talha Hashmani, CJRU 1280 AM, Toronto through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

Clashes between Toronto police and protesters at several homeless encampments across numerous city parks last summer highlighted Toronto’s ongoing homelessness and housing crisis. At the heart of the conflict was the forceful removal of outdoor encampments—a policy enacted by the City of Toronto on June 22 last year.

Continue reading Toronto’s Unhoused and Unprepared: No Vacancy