Press Release: City of Vancouver and Park Board continue brutal and merciless decampment of CRAB Park residents

Unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Swx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories, April 18, 2024 —

Over the past two days, Park Board staff have drastically ramped up their enforcement of park bylaws at CRAB Park. The narrative of peaceful cooperation that the City of Vancouver is communicating regarding its current decampment efforts obscures the horrifying abuses of human rights happening to CRAB Park residents.

Starting on April 16, rangers began dismantling shelters at 7:30AM, well before their stated deadline of 8:00. Park rangers threw away life-saving belongings, shelter materials, food, and many items that brought residents comfort.

One of the reasons that there were any residents sheltering on the hillside outside the designated area of the park was that park rangers had refused to let original residents of the daytime sheltering area return. While residents were assured that there would be an appeals process, no further information was made available to them before April 16, the day of enforcement.

In addition to confiscating over ten tents and shelters, rangers also decreed that the largest tent, which functions as an overdose prevention site, a peaceful gathering spot, a cultural site, and a memorial (and has done so for three years) was no longer allowed. As part of this decree, the Director of Park Operations, Amit Gandha, wrote a letter specifically to one resident, threatening him with eviction from CRAB Park if he did not oversee the removal of the gathering tent personally. Said resident J, “That tent saved lives. It had first aid supplies in it. It was so much more than a couple of couches.”

After throwing away most of the furniture and life-saving harm reduction supplies in the gathering tent, park rangers inexplicably also seized and threw away storage and food from the community kitchen and eating area.

Supporters of CRAB Park residents are greatly concerned about this increase in enforcement, especially given that it was completed during cheque week, when many residents had to be away from their homes and were therefore unable to defend them against confiscation and destruction.

The sheer brutality and callousness displayed by park rangers as they stole belongings and people’s shelters is alarming. We can only conclude that rangers feel supported by the Park Board and City as they enter people’s homes without permission or notice, take belongings without giving an impound notice or receipt, rip items out of the hands of residents as they attempt to pack, and use physical force when they decide residents are not moving fast enough.

“The statement by Park Board Commissioner Bastyovanszky that this decampment was carried out in ‘the most compassionate way possible,’ and that the methods used by park staff are ‘trauma informed’ is frankly laughable,” said supporter Kaylee.

Media etiquette: Please remember that a tent is a home and be respectful of personal space

Media contacts:

Fiona Y, advocate 604–251–6164

Ryan S, supporter 778–668–1645

Kaylee, supporter 647–574–3727

Michelle G-C, supporter (médias francophones), 604–817–7668

Residents may be available to speak upon request.