CRAB Park Temporary Designated Area to close and return to daytime general use
This morning, Vancouver Park Board staff issued notice to the remaining intended users of the Temporary Designated Area at CRAB Park that the area will close to daytime sheltering use on November 7, 2024 at 8 am, as part of a planned return of that area of the park to general community use.
Today’s confirmation of closure follows a week of consultation by parks staff, who have engaged daily with the seven remaining individuals in the park to discuss support and resources needed to support them through this transition.
From October 23 to 29, staff received the following feedback from the remaining park users:
- Several individuals acknowledged the consultation and feedback process and had no additional questions.
- Some expressed a need for assistance transporting belongings to indoor spaces or for temporary storage options.
- Some shared that they were awaiting the spaces to be prepared in order to move in.
As of October 31, seven people remain in the Designated Area, each with housing, health services, income supports and transition plans developed collaboratively between the City’s Outreach Team, BC Housing, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and Vancouver Coastal Health.
After reviewing all considerations, the General Manager of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation confirmed the planned closure date. Starting November 7, all tents and structures must be packed up and relocated by 8 am daily, as per the Parks Control By-law. The suggestions received have been integrated into the confirmed closure plan.
Next steps and available options
Teams are focused on supporting individuals to transition out of the Designated Area by the November 7 deadline.
To support transition, reserved shelter spaces will be available for any remaining individuals on November 7. Those who choose not to transition indoors may shelter overnight in CRAB Park, provided structures are taken down each morning by 8 am, as required by the Parks Control By-law.
CRAB Park is as a vital community space in the Downtown Eastside, intended to support the health and well-being of all neighbourhood families, local residents and visitors who rely on access to safe and open green space. Returning the area to daytime public use will restore access to this valuable resource for approximately 6,000 people within a 10-minute walk. The decision aligns with the park’s core purpose and seeks to balance the needs of the entire community.