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
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.