Business community complaining about ‘urban campers’
Posted February 5, 2016 11:25 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Are the people camped out in public spaces genuinely homeless?
Businesses across Vancouver are noticing an increase in the number of what’s being called ‘urban campers.’
Urban campers refuse to move on to shelters or supportive housing and usually camp in groups. They have backpacks and sleeping bags, not shopping carts.
Charles Gauthier with the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association says he’s seen more of them in the last year.
“I think some of it was caused by people enjoying an unseasonably warm summer and a nice fall,” he notes.
He says they’re occupying more sidewalks and doorways, making it challenging for some businesses to operate.
“Some of the commercial real estate brokers are frustrated because they have to show vacant spaces and they have to ask people to leave doorways. They’ve encountered verbal abuse and the campers say they are not prepared to move.”
Meanwhile, BC’s Housing Minister says homeless campers in Victoria should be celebrating instead of complaining after the province offered them a place to live and — in some cases — three meals a day.
Eviction notices were issued Friday for those camped out behind the courthouse.
Rich Coleman says they have the option to apply to stay in one of 88 new temporary shelter and rental units.
He says it’s “stunning” that some campers are angry and have vowed to remain at the site, while taking legal action against the government over a claim that they are occupying First Nations land.
