Tents to be removed from Vancouver homeless camp, starting with 'highest risk areas': city
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Tents and other structures are being removed from a stretch of East Hastings Street on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside starting Tuesday, the city confirmed.
Tents and other structures are being removed from a stretch of East Hastings Street on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside starting Tuesday, the city confirmed.
The order was initially announced last month, but delayed so storage options could be secured for residents. Structures will be removed between Gore Avenue and Abbott Street, the city said.
"The removal of structures will begin with the highest risk areas and is expected to continue over the coming weeks," a statement from the city explained.
"This is a complex effort and the city appreciates the work of the many community organizations and social enterprises who have been contributing expertise and effort as well as the support of BC Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health."
The order came from the city's fire chief, who said the move was necessary to avoid a potentially devastating fire in the area.
“For our response, there was obviously a line in the sand that was just completely crossed and something had to be done,” said Capt. Matthew Trudeau of Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services.
Trudeau says there have been more than 1,000 fires with damage in and around that area so far this year.
