In 1986, there was a lot of change happening in Vancouver’s downtown eastside, as that city prepared to host the World’s Fair, Expo ’86. For most it seemed as though this change was positive but for some it was the complete opposite.

For this hallmark event, plans were put in place to handle the significant increase in tourism. Those plans included forced evictions for a number of Vancouver residents that bordered the fair site. By the end of July 1986 over 500 residents were dislocated. Many of the poor, elderly and male evictees had to face the realties of homelessness.

Fast forward to 2007 with news headlines such as this one, “Vancouver homeless population may triple by 2010”. Will Vancouver learn from its mistakes and be prepared for the housing issue that will come with its next hallmark event?

“Vancouver’s homeless population is growing at such a fearsome rate that it could triple to 3,000 people by the time visitors arrive for the 2010 Olympic Games”

Though Vancouver’s Mayor Sam Sullivan said he’s committed to the issue, quotes like the one above make me skeptical of a homeless free Olympics. Let’s hope for everyone’s sake I’m wrong.

Sources: Evictions and the Right to Housing – by Antonio Azuela, Emilio Duhau, and Enrique Ortiz, Vancouver homeless population may triple by 2010 – by Mike Killeen, CTV, MatthewGood.net