Now approved, the plan will be sent off to the Park Board, which has jurisdiction over Oppenheimer Park

The goal of the motion is to, 'restore the park for broad public use' & was brought forward by several city councillors

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – After hours of discussion, Vancouver City Council has made a decision when it comes to the tent city at Oppenheimer Park.

Council debated creating a ‘collaborative decampment plan with the goal of the motion to, ‘restore the park for broad public use’.

After several amendments which ultimately had to be severed due to time constraints, city staff will “collaborate” with the Park Board to develop a plan to move those living in the park to another site.

Staff will also look at the creation of a ‘Homeless Outreach Services Team’ which would help connect vulnerable people with services.

Other items passed include additional water fountains added to the area, reviewing funding and delivery of social services, and supporting the Vancouver Police when it comes to creating a specific policing plan for the Downtown Eastside.

The joint motion was brought forward by councillors from the Non-Partisan Association and the Green Party.

Now that the motion has been approved, would ask city staff to look at a way of developing a “collaborative decampment” plan that would be moved to the Vancouver Park Board.

Last month, the Park Board voted against a court injunction to clear out the camp, instead of voting to help find better housing for those living in the tents.

In September, the VPD warned the level of public safety in that area was ‘deteriorating’.