Camping approved for Vancouver parks, but tents must be gone by mid-morning

Photo: The Canadian Press

The Vancouver Park Board has passed a motion allowing overnight camping in parks around the city.

In a social media post, the board says the vote includes provisions to "more effectively manage temporary structures and tents for those seeking shelter in parks."

The board says the move reflects recent B.C. Supreme Court decisions recognizing the Charter right to stay in public spaces when adequate shelter is not available.

The motion passed 4-3 after two nights of debate and submissions from dozens of speakers.

The updated bylaw requires tents to be removed each morning.

The change comes after more than 100 tents were set up in an East Vancouver park following the closure of a long-standing encampment in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.