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A protest took place on Friday at a city bylaw office in Kelowna, B.C., where tensions rose during a demonstration against the frequent removals of a tent city located nearby.
A crowd of approximately ten individuals, comprising residents from the tent city and concerned members of the community, marched from the outdoor sheltering site to the bylaw office several blocks away. Over the course of their march, they were joined by additional unhoused individuals, amplifying their voices in unison as they chanted “stop the sweeps.”
The demonstrators expressed their outrage about what they describe as daily and unjustified sweeps conducted by bylaw officers, who regularly dismantle tents and displace residents from the area. Erica Stewart, an individual who has lived in the tent city for three years and still maintains connections with its inhabitants, remarked, “It used to be every few days they would come to remove larger items or garbage. Now it feels like it happens daily.”
The protesters conveyed that the continuous removal of tents and the displacement of individuals are becoming a routine occurrence, with many accusing bylaw officers of damaging and confiscating their belongings. “The constant cycle of losing everything and then having to rebuild is incredibly frustrating,” Stewart noted, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on those affected.
Upon arriving at the bylaw office situated on Ellis Street, the group filled the small space and persisted in their chanting. They specifically called out for Nick Bonnett, the city’s bylaw services manager, urging him to engage with them. Bonnett eventually emerged to hear their grievances but declined to commit to a meeting to further discuss their concerns, stating, “I will not commit to a conversation with you at this moment.”
Frustration mounted as protesters continued to insist on an immediate meeting with Bonnett, questioning his effectiveness in addressing their issues and labeling him as a puppet in the city’s system. The loud pleas for action emphasized their determination to have their voices heard.
As the demonstration concluded, Bonnett indicated to media that he needed time to “collect his thoughts” before addressing the situation further. Subsequently, the city released a statement refuting claims of property destruction and theft, asserting that any material removals were conducted in alignment with bylaws and with compassion.
Among the protesters was Tony Baxter, a former outreach worker at the tent city, who voiced his support for the residents. He criticized Bonnett for his refusal to arrange a discussion with the group while bylaw officers continued to conduct sweeps in the area daily. “He wouldn’t even pick a time to meet with folks and meanwhile … his team is at tent city every single day harassing people,” Baxter stated, illuminating the ongoing struggle faced by the community.
The city has committed to reviewing the concerns presented during the protest and reaching out to the group in the upcoming week.
Source
globalnews.ca