Vancouver residents took to the streets on Tuesday, urging the BC NDP government to take action on rising crime and homelessness. Vancouver has recently seen a surge in crime with break-ins doubling in some areas. The city has also seen a rise in homelessness, not only due to COVID-19 but also the resettlement of a prominent tent city.
Strathcona residents so fed up with lack of action on growing tent city - protest planned for tomorrow. Organizer says they "may" escalate to blocking rail lines next or marching on city hall. @cknw
— Lynda Steele ? (@steeletalk) September 28, 2020
This protest occurred just one day after a man was seen chasing people with a Chainsaw in Strathcona. The Strathcona neighborhood of Vancouver is mostly known for having a comparatively large homeless population. Though homelessness has been an issue in Vancouver for some time, local residents say it has now reached a boiling point.
Also, every week I think there is no way it can get more crazy and every week it does. Come on, government. Do your jobs. Here’s an interview with the @VancouverPD with the guy that had the chainsaw pulled on him. He’s traumatized. I would be too. P.s. Park Board!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/9A6o0gQhAz
— Katie Lewis (@kelewis) September 28, 2020
The demonstration was hosted by "Safe Homes for All," a group of Strathcona residents that occupy all forms of housing, including owned homes, rented homes, care homes, co-op housing, and social housing.
Their website states, "Our community has also experienced a steady increase in personal crime, property crime and public health hazards."
Safe Homes for All says that they attribute this issue to "government action and neglect."
