Marpole Mutual Aid Network and Stop the Sweeps

Statement on Marine Drive Decampment - January 31st

This morning Marpole Mutual Aid Network and Stop the Sweeps were on scene in Marpole to support residents living on land managed by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). This land is on unceded Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh territories. Residents are facing an impending decampment by use of a trespass order, issued by MOTI.

Six Vancouver Police (VPD) Officers were on scene but did not approach residents. Later in the day, MOTI staff returned with the VPD and Vancouver Fire and Rescue to complete an assessment. During this time, residents were told that as of midnight tonight, they will be considered to be trespassing. This immediately criminalizes the lives and homes of the people living on that land.

Residents relayed directly to MOTI staff that they need more time as some are awaiting housing and others simply need more time to make plans due to this sudden notice of eviction.

Through our conversations with residents, we would like to convey two immediate requests to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure:

1. To negotiate with residents on an extension to stay on these grounds as they figure out where they are going to go and give them time to prepare accordingly.
2. To suspend the trespass order and remove the threat of arrest.

The resources put into decampments and evictions would be far better served by determining how to support and aid people living outside. Marpole Mutual Aid Network has been supporting residents whenever possible. Support has also been provided by Marpole Neighbourhood House, Union Gospel Mission and other organizations. Many Marpole residents have also expressed support for these unhoused neighbours.

Ultimately, we would like to see the MOTI, and all levels of Government, adopt an approach that treats people living outdoors not as a problem to be solved, but as people to support. This housing crisis was not caused by unhoused people and they should not be punished for it.

We ask for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming and Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon to stop the criminalization of unhoused people and work with residents as rights holders to be respected rather than displaced.