Protesters set up a small tent town in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside on Monday to draw attention to the city's homelessness problem.
The demonstration began as a rally in Pigeon Park, located at the intersection of Carrall and Hastings Streets. Surrounded by international news media, participants then erected a number of tents to serve as both statement and temporary solution.
"One of the things about the campaign, it gets people slightly better accommodation than sleeping under a bush. That's good," said one protester in the park.
The gathering was part of the Red Tent campaign, a national movement advocating a federal housing strategy.
Local activists were also present, calling for an end to high-end condo development in the area and what participants see as the antagonizing of impoverished residents by police.
They also criticized the city's decision to host the Olympics, saying homelessness has tripled in the region since Vancouver won its Games bid in 2003. (read rest here)
The Tyee has the details on the demonstration on Saturday here, and the campaign here.
Pivot's front man David Eby has taken a lot of flak for this campaign. But regardless- it is an agreeable, but clearly moderate, way to bring attention to homelessness in Vancouver. At least it's a clear message and doesn't take the "fuck shit up" route.
And for the "WTF" moment of the day- what is the deal with the Vancouver Sun making it look like Geoff Meggs is some sort of activist? hardly. Want more Geoff Meggs regardless? see here.
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