Efforts to clear homeless encampments from Vancouver's East Hastings Street resumed Wednesday, with city officials shifting focus to 'informing' the homeless .
The move comes a day after efforts to remove the 100-block camp fell into chaos on Tuesday, with both police and activists filing allegations of assault.
Hastings Street, near Main Street, has become the site of the city's newest encampment, with numerous structures clustered in front of the buildings on either side of the street, including tents and tarpaulins. Late last month, Vancouver Fire Chief Karen Fry issued an order to remove the structure, citing it as a fire hazard.
Media Wednesday afternoon In his release, the city supports staff in approaching people with "respect and sensitivity" and "voluntarily removing tents and belongings through conversation." said he is trying to
READ MORE: 'Feel Compassion Needed': Hastings Street Tension Over Vacant Lot in Tent City
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"Since there is still confusion about the availability of storage options and other services, Staff asked community members yesterday to provide more clarity and information," the city said.
"We are committed to providing this information today (Wednesday)."
When police stood by during camp demolition operations on Tuesday, both the city and Vancouver police were warned of a large police presence and subsequent Argument - late afternoon - says it has nothing to do with building demolition.
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Carnegie Center staff called the police at around 3pm. The city said someone threw a computer at it and asked it to be reported as "behaving strangely."
A crowd formed and became "combatant" while the man was arrested, according to the city.
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}READ MORE: Chaos erupts on East Hastings Street, Vancouver staff depart Tents removed
}Vancouver police claim several officers were arrested in the ensuing "brawl". Local activists, meanwhile, argued that the police presence created a threatening environment and that officers used excessive force.
In the meantime, questions remain as to where people evacuated from Hastings Street go.
Unlike when the city cleared out his homeless camp in Strathcona Park, state officials are not providing housing for homeless people.
"I have no other choice," one of his men, who declined to be named, told Global News on Tuesday.
"So perhaps I'll stay where I am until they seize my belongings or provide me with a suitable and safe place."
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