Vancouver Park Board to close homeless encampment at CRAB Park

Vancouver’s park board has initiated the closure of a homeless encampment at CRAB Park, which has existed since 2021. Currently, seven residents remain, and the park board aims to transition the area back to public use by November 7. Although the park board claims these individuals have been offered shelter and housing options—some declined multiple offers—one resident disputes this, stating he has never received such options.

The board cites “ongoing non-compliance” and health risks associated with the encampment, which costs $21,000 weekly to manage. Advocates criticize the closure as an “eviction,” arguing that the city’s response has been insensitive, particularly during recent severe weather conditions. They also highlight that previous court rulings prevented eviction due to insufficient indoor shelter availability.

Despite plans for closure, the park board will allow overnight sheltering in the park under certain bylaws, and they express a commitment to assist residents in finding housing. However, residents like Fiona York and Sasha Christiano emphasize the need for adequate housing options and criticize the city’s approach, arguing that many existing housing solutions are inadequate and unsafe. Christiano described the encampment as a supportive community and expressed concerns about moving into single-room occupancy buildings.

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