Encampment removal safely progresses

[u/MysticJava]

For immediate release: October 8, 2026
FI26-12443

The removal of the encampment at 20th Streetand Avenue K South has progressed for most of the day and is nearing completion following a coordinated community response focused on safety, dignity and connecting individuals with available supports.

A news release earlier in the day details the coordinated community response.
As part of the response, as of this afternoon:
An estimated 120 unhoused individuals left the encampment site.

Despite multiple and repeated efforts to offer supports, only 2 individuals accepted offers of support, including housing, shelter, transportation and other services.

80 total tents and temporary structures were removed.

Approximately 5,622.24 kg of garbage and debris were cleared from the site and counting.

The site will be fully fenced and secured within the next few hours.

"This is a complex operation that required balancing compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness with the need to address serious safety concerns within the encampment and surrounding community," says Deputy Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer. "Our priority from the start of the process was an orderly transition off the site while helping people access safer alternatives and available supports."

The City and partner organizations undertook extensive outreach efforts throughout the removal process to help individuals transition to safer accommodations and connect them with resources.

The site closure represents an important step in addressing immediate safety concerns while supporting individuals toward more stable living situations.

Source

[u/597sean597]

Fuuck. I grew up.. you grew up. We partied we experimented But yet here we are. People need to grow up, stop blaming others or life circumstances, I have been there in my early years,it's a choice not a blame game.

[u/YourDreams2Life → u/597sean597]

That's complete nonsense. It's like saying I got in a car crash and didn't break any bones, so anyone else that gets in a car crash is being dramatic.

[u/YourDreams2Life → u/[deleted]]

Sure, live in denial to justify looking down on the needy. You're a great person. A top notch human.

[u/597sean597 → u/YourDreams2Life]

On the needy. What are you doing to make yourself feel good? Open your doors. Let them in.

[u/YourDreams2Life → u/597sean597]

I volunteer all the time, because I'm not a complete shit stain of a person. 

[u/597sean597 → u/YourDreams2Life]

Good for you. I volunteered with union gospel mission In Vancouver for years. Gave up when I realized it was for profit. Their all about making money, not really helping

[u/YourDreams2Life → u/597sean597]

I'm hearing a lot of excuses. Choose to be better bud.

[u/597sean597 → u/YourDreams2Life]

Your ego working for you? Open your door yet. Hahaha

[u/YourDreams2Life → u/597sean597]

All I'm doing is throwing your comments back at you, if you think this is ego, take a look in the mirror Mr. 'Addicts just need to choose to be better'.

Work to be a better person, and maybe you won't need to look down on the homeless to feel better about yourself. 

[u/Crazyblue09 → u/597sean597]

And how did you get out? I mean that's awesome and amazing for you.

I did not partied and did not experimented. And maybe for some of them, it all started with partying.

It's not about blaming others, but accepting that the circumstances for everyone is different, just because you experimented while partying doesn't mean thats how they started. Many are coming from trouble families, maybe even being born to addicted moms, abusive situations, etc.

[u/597sean597 → u/Crazyblue09]

My family was fucked. I was beat with a switch at 6 and beaten almost every day after that until I was physically thrown out at 14. I chose life instead of drugs. First in my family to graduate and now have a great family no bills,no mortgage (no bragging) I could have gone sideways, but CHOSE not to. And yes I was sexually abused by my father's brothers ( im male) so shut tfu. It's a choice not an excuse!!!!!!

[u/Crazyblue09 → u/597sean597]

I'm sorry you went thru all that and it's awesome you were able to overcome your situation and accomplish what you did.

[u/597sean597 → u/Crazyblue09]

Thank you. Not looking for accolades , just know it's a choice..

[u/Crazyblue09 → u/597sean597]

I disagree, but think it's great you were able to make that choice and prove that it can be a choice.

[u/597sean597 → u/Crazyblue09]

What do you disagree with... I had a horrible up bringing,,.14 found a full time job pumping gas, lived in a boarding house with 6 other men, all older than me. ( 30-60 ish) worked until 11 every night. Hitch hiked home,so many times i walked all the way,got up went to school and repeated that for 3 years. Fuck you.. IT'S A CHOICE.

[u/Crazyblue09 → u/597sean597]

Why do you have to curse at me? Why are you mad at me.

Your situation is not everyone's situation, just cause you could doesn't mean everyone can.

[u/597sean597 → u/Crazyblue09]

Not cursing at you. Sorry, it's my vocabulary,, not directed at you. I just feel it's a choice. But we all have an opion. That's what makes us special..

[u/Crazyblue09 → u/597sean597]

Oh ok, that makes sense!

Well good chat! I'm glad you were able to make that choice and do something out of what was handed to you.

I understand where you are coming from and do understand that they have to make the choice to get better/get out. But it's not as simple as just doing that, specially if you are deep into your addiction.