Squatting in Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada has a rich squatting history. In the 1890's, a group of Finnish people
built 70 stilt homes in a tidal flood area, and about 50 residents
still live on the land without legal claim to it. In 1946, 600 WWII
vets in poverty took over the Hotel Vancouver, turning it into a hostel
for up to 1,200 vets until 1948. A private owner bought the
hotel/hostel and tore it down. In 1970, 300 homeless youth took over
the Jericho Beach Hostel, and were evicted in a police battle that
spread to the town. Twenty five people and six police officers were
injured. Also in 1970's, squatters tore down a fence and occupied a
vacant site earmarked for construction eventually, and put up a tent
and shack city that lasted about a year. In 1990, The Frances Street
squats included several empty houses on one street. The squatters
immediately tore down the fences between the yards, and set up a
community space offering a free store, potlucks and get
togethers. One house was used as a women-only space. A rented house on
the block not originally in the squat received an eviction notice, but
they refused to leave or pay, and joined the squat themselves. In time,
the Vancouver Police demanded the squatters leave. The squatters put up
6 foot high barricades, secured in-door defenses, and set fires in the
middle of the streets. Squatters wore masks and helmets, but were
evicted violently by 80 riot cops, 30 SWAT members, a bomb squad,
earth-moving tractors to demolish the buildings, and more, according to
published accounts. The public put more pressure on the federal
government to create affordable housing after this event, and it also
triggered more squats as well. A group called Direct Action Against
Homelessness manifested a "Monster Squat," on Halloween 1997, in
Vancouver, in an abandoned convalescent home. The place had been
abandoned for over a year, yet the water still worked and the
electricity was still connected (which, oddly, happens more than you
would think!). They washed everything from walls to refrigerators, and
groups donated food and chores. The space was immediately converted
into a soup kitchen, and a community center for art, politics, social
gatherings, and a safe space for the homeless. During a one-weekend
squat, people were well-fed, slept in warmth, and enjoyed community, in
a positive environment. Police kicked in the doors finally, and forced
the eviction.

more details in this article

see also The Finn Slough