Residents of a tent city in East Vancouver briefly relocated to Stanley Park over the weekend before being asked to vacate the national historic site.
Police shut down an entrance to the park Sunday night after learning a few former Oppenheimer Park campers had moved in near the totem poles, and others were trying to join them.
The campers agreed to leave voluntarily after speaking with police and park board staff, according to a statement from the City of Vancouver.
The city blamed the ousting on fire concerns in the iconic urban park, where a hollow cedar tree went up in flames just hours earlier.
The blaze is believed to have been caused by a squatter in the park.
Many more Oppenheimer Park inhabitants could be relocating soon if the city wins its injunction to dismantle the tent city that’s occupied the park since July.
The matter is being heard in B.C. Supreme Court Monday.
Officials said living conditions at the tent city have deteriorated, and there are health and safety concerns at the site. Residents have already been told to clear out by Monday.
Mayor Gregor Robertson said there are shelter spaces available for any Oppenheimer Park campers who want them.
