Canada: Vancouver Community garden, growing tent city coexist peacefully in Strathcona Park
McLaren says some gardeners are concerned with the growing numbers, but the relationship between the garden and the camp has been reciprocal and respectful.
By Lisa Steacy And Kareem Gouda
News 11;30
Jul 4, 2020
Excerpt:
She notes there has been some worry that the camp could impact the garden and its operation.
“But so far, nothing has happened that is dangerous or has us calling the police,” McLaren says.
“We’ve had people coming through, we’ve had drug users, we’ve had people wanting to camp in the garden for years. The garden’s been there since 1991. So, we’ve had these problems, and I wouldn’t say we have more of them since the camp’s been there — if anything we have less.”
She adds the gardeners understand the camp is there because people don’t have anywhere else to go, and
“The majority of gardeners support the camp being there, they support what they’re asking for — which is to find a permanent place for housing or a permanent place to have a tent city until housing is found. We support their cause, we know that they’re homeless and are just looking for permanent housing.”
Read the complete article here.
Also see: As Vancouver tent city expands, some neighbours voice support for campers’ demands
