Vancouver Park Board cites safety reasons for change to wellness checks at tents
On Sept. 12, two Vancouver park rangers on a routine patrol came across a tent by the pond at Andy Livingstone Park. They conducted a check, and found the tent empty, with drug paraphernalia inside. Both the tent and its contents were then removed and discarded.
It’s just one example of what’s become a regular part of park ranger duties in the city: checking on tents set up in local parks. In ranger reports obtained through a freedom of information request by CTV News, there were numerous occasions where rangers documented performing such checks, often talking with the people inside and informing them of the park board bylaw that allows overnight camping, but requires temporary shelters to be dismantled and moved by 8 a.m.
In another check on the same day, rangers spoke with a man and woman in a tent at MacLean Park.
“The individuals stated they were staying in the park for one more night and will be leaving in the morning,” the report read. “Rangers also observed the area to be clean, and they also had a blue tarp underneath their tent for safety. Rangers let the individuals know that the a.m. rangers may come for follow up to make sure their belongings are packed in the morning.”
Now, park rangers have been instructed to temporarily change their approach when conducting wellness checks on tents around the city.
The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has confirmed its safe operating procedure for staff carrying out such checks is currently under review, and in the meantime, rangers are to conduct checks "verbally," or from the outside.
Previously, if rangers did not receive a response from a tent or shelter, they could open it to look inside, a step which could help determine if someone inside may need medical help, or if there was anything of concern inside the tent. The park board said the change is related to safety, but did not provide any further explanation.
“This is to ensure the safety of staff and park users across the city,” the board said in a statement.
“We are planning to have this review completed as soon as possible with support from the city’s organizational health and safety team.”
CTV News has been told the move is leading to ranger concerns about not being able to make sure the occupants of a tent are OK, along with possibly having to leave a tent in a park despite the bylaw, if no response is received and further investigation is prohibited.
Rangers have sometimes come across weapons, as well. CTV News has learned one incident included a disturbing discovery in Andy Livingstone Park on Sept. 17, in which rangers encountered a tent in a playground with a knife inside.
CTV News requested an interview with the city or park board regarding the change in approach as well as the review, including when it was launched and why it is being conducted. In response, the board said no further information would be shared at this time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.