In the past few years downtown Vancouver communities have experienced an alarming spike in the following: illegal open drug use, discarded dirty needles, encampments in community parks and public spaces, increased break-ins and theft, violent and aggressive behaviour – the list goes on. Our appeals to our government officials have so far fallen on deaf ears. There is a growing sense of fear and many no longer feel safe.

In May 2020, Oppenheimer Park Tent City was dismantled and its occupants relocated to alternative accommodations throughout Vancouver’s downtown core. This relocation has exacerbated the issues stated above and has not solved these problems - it only further spreads it throughout our City, subjecting more Vancouver residents to be victimized. Oppenheimer Park Tent City was notorious for its open drug use, violent assaults, dangerous weapons, stabbings and shootings. Our downtown communities have become more dangerous and it is becoming more difficult to keep our families safe. This has been intolerable on a temporary basis and inconceivable if it persists.

We urge the City of Vancouver to make public safety their top priority. We want to be clear that the temporary relocation is NOT proving to be a success and that additional efforts must be taken to ensure that the current situation is managed, and this will never be considered as a permanent solution.

WE ARE STARTING THIS PETITION TO INFORM GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS THAT WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH AND WE DEMAND CHANGE! 

WE SAY NO TO:

o  Illegal open drug use 

o  Aggressive, violent behavior

o  Discarded dirty needles & other drug paraphernalia

o  Relocation of former Oppenheimer Park Tent City occupants to our family-oriented communities

o  Encampments in our community parks & public spaces

o  Safe Injection Sites in our family-oriented communities

o  Increased theft and break ins

o  VPD budget cuts – We need more police, not less