This evening, residents of the 58 W. Hastings tent city were ordered to vacate as a result of a Supreme Court ruling in support of the City’s injunction. The residents and their supporters took over the streets of Downtown Eastside and marched together to Thornton Park, the decided-upon new site, where residents and supporters worked together in the heavy rain to set up tents. The residents of the Wendy Poole Park tent city have also been displaced today and some have also moved to Thornton Park. The City’s injunction shows that the City has put the rights of private property over human rights, which must be opposed.
In order to meet the basic needs of the residents, the City must provide garbage bins and regular garbage pickup to this site and provide portable washrooms suiting the number of residents at the site.
Despite the difficult weather conditions, it is not clear how long the tent city will be able to remain at this site and another injunction is not unlikely. The presence of the media and the supporters is greatly needed over the course of the next few days to ensure the residents are not left vulnerable to potential harassment from the police. Donations in the form of warm clothing, especially socks, hats, and gloves, and supplies including tents, tarps, ropes, umbrellas, garbage bags, and battery-powered lanterns with batteries would be immensely helpful. For drop-offs please contact Maria at the number below to make arrangements ahead of time.
Thornton Park is at 1166 Main St. across from the Pacific Central Station and Main St. Skytrain station.