Multiple arrests after police allegedly assaulted amid tent city removal in Downtown Eastside
Several police officers were allegedly assaulted Tuesday in the Downtown Eastside, amid heightened tensions in the neighbourhood as crews were dismantling a tent city.
The alleged assaults resulted in multiple arrests, according to a Vancouver Police Department spokesperson, who said the incident began after staff at Carnegie Centre on Hastings Street reported “a man throwing computers and behaving erratically.”
“The man resisted arrest and fought with police. A large crowd gathered, and became hostile and combative with the officers,” Const. Tania Visintin said.
The chaotic scene took place hours after crews began the process of removing dozens of tents and structures along Hastings.
The removal order was announced last month, but delayed so storage options could be secured for residents. Structures are being removed between Gore Avenue and Abbott Street, officials 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 said there have been more than 1,000 fires with damage in and around that area so far this year.
“The fire chief took a strong stance on this, and saw the urgent risk that was happening and took steps to try to mitigate it,” Trudeau told CTV News.
He said the large number of tents and combustible materials are not only a fire hazard, but are also blocking access for first responders.
“One of our crews went for an overdose, and they had to cut someone out of a tent,” he said. “One of our crews tried to connect to a fire hydrant and one of the hydrants was completely blocked.”
He says a lot of thought has been put into the order with the goal of balancing the risks to the community.
“This isn't just a quick rash decision. Obviously, the fire chief has been in talks with a lot of partner agencies. A lot of care and consideration into the community and the people that are at risk right now,” said Trudeau.
'ZERO NEW HOUSING' FOR DISPLACED RESIDENTS
Advocates warned the city's plan will leave tent city residents with nowhere else to go.
“There’s zero new housing on offer,” said Meenakshi Mannoe of the Pivot Legal Society. “We’re looking at hundreds of people who are going to be displaced.”
One man living in a tent in the neighbourhood told CTV News the city's actions had left him overcome with emotion. He said the loss of the tent city would leave residents more desperate.
“You’re increasing theft, you’re increasing drug use, you’re increasing displacement,” he said.
In a statement to CTV News, B.C. Housing confirmed the significant shortage in housing.
“Housing space is tight in Vancouver,” said Henry Glazebrook, acting manager of media relations for B.C. Housing. “We have been clear with the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services that, on short notice, we do not have access to large numbers of new spaces in Vancouver to accommodate the timing of the emergency order.”
B.C. Housing said it is working with the City of Vancouver, ministry partners and non-profits to secure new housing options as soon as possible.
In the city’s statement, officials acknowledged the removal would have an “emotional impact on the community and everyone involved,” but said staff would be working “with thoughtfulness and care of the residents and their circumstances.”
The city estimated there were more than 150 tents lining Hastings between Main and Carrall streets.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.