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
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.