February 5, 2010, is eviction day for homeless people sleeping near the Georgia Viaduct, Vancouver’s city manager said today.
Starting then, the busy thoroughfare connecting downtown to east Vancouver will be closed to normal traffic. It's part of the 2010 Games transportation plan. And Penny Ballem confirmed anyone sleeping near or under the viaduct will have to leave.
“If there are any homeless people there we will be working with our host of community agencies and our outreach teams to make sure that they’re aware of what’s happening,” Ballem told reporters.
The city manager gave repeated assurances that any dislocated people would be connected with a wide range of support services and shelter. Vancouver already has an extensive outreach network that helps people on the streets find housing, she added.
“So that is kind of business as usual for us in the city,” Ballem said.
Late last March, deputy police chief Steve Sweeney said homeless people living near the Georgia Viaduct could face arrest if they refuse to leave when security fences go up.
“I’m not going to lie to you and tell you there won’t be an impact for them,” he said at the time.
Today was the official unveiling of the 2010 transportation plan update. Many of the biggest traffic and security restrictions will take place in the eastern end of False Creek. Home to the Athletes' Village, B.C. Place Stadium and GM Place, the zone was a big challenge for transportation organizers.
“That’s a very congested area and really speaks for the complexity of our planning,” Integrated Security Unit Supt. Kevin deBruyckere said.
The first restrictions will start November 1, when 1st Avenue from Quebec Street to the Cambie Bridge closes to traffic. As more closures are phased in, security forces will begin setting up fences and readying screening areas for pedestrians and vehicles.
The Athletes' Village will be fully shut off from all non-accredited personnel by late January. Fenced security zones around the stadium district, which includes the Georgia Viaduct, will be ready by early February.
Geoff Dembicki reports for the Tyee.
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G West
3 years ago
Get ready to hold your nose!
This is going to be very stinky.
I'd be interested to know exactly how this:
Fits into this:
http://www.bcauditor.com/pubs/2009/report16/homelessness-clear-focus-needed
I think Ms Ballem needs to start reading and stop spinning - the smell of burning rubber is not particularly attractive....
leftofcentre
3 years ago
The Georgia Viaduct isn't a home...
A shelter is at least the start of one.
Dan the socialist
3 years ago
You vish to travel? You
You vish to travel? You vill need papers and identification when you stop at zee checkpoints for inspection citizen. Vee member zee government and zee military is your friend.
freebear
3 years ago
Brown shirted volunteers next?
Should we practice our goose stepping soon?
freebear
3 years ago
If I am homeless
during the Owelimpics I would camp on the Premier's lawn!
Frank
3 years ago
Why New York is luckier than Vancouver
Because their bid lost
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/10/opinion/nyregionopinions/10CImatheson.html?th&emc=th
zalm
3 years ago
leftofcentre said....
The Georgia Viaduct isn't a home...
A shelter is at least the start of one.
A home is where you keep your stuff and your dog. You can't keep your stuff and your dog in a shelter - you have to leave them outside and hope that they're still there in the morning, and not in the back of a city garbage truck.
Besides, a few million Indians, Indonesians, Malaysians and assorted other people whose boats haven't been lifted by the "rising tide" of neoliberal economics would disagree with you - they're very happy under their viaducts, thank you very much. I just think your prejudices are showing. If you think the viaducts are so bad to live under, get your ass in gear helping build the next shelter that needs building. Our social service organizations are always looking for volunteers to help share the load and pitch our ideas, energy and resources to charities, business and government.
Unfortunately, only government seem to be coming through with much in the way of regularly-scheduled dollars....