Protest Against Daily Tent City Sweeps in Kelowna, B.C.
On Friday, a group of approximately 10 individuals, including residents from a local tent city and concerned community members, staged a protest in Kelowna, B.C. The demonstration began at the tent city and proceeded to the city’s bylaw office several blocks away. As the protesters marched, they were joined by additional unhoused individuals, growing their numbers. The group chanted slogans such as "stop the sweeps," expressing their opposition to what they described as daily and unnecessary tent city sweeps conducted by bylaw officers.
Residents’ Frustrations and Accusations
The protesters highlighted their frustrations with the frequency and impact of these sweeps. Erica Stewart, a former resident of the tent city and an organizer of the march, shared her observations. She noted that bylaw officers initially visited every few days to remove garbage or large items. However, the frequency has increased to daily, with officers now taking tents and other belongings. The demonstrators accused the officers of not only removing their possessions but also destroying and stealing them. Stewart emphasized the emotional toll this cycle of loss and replacement takes on the residents, describing it as a "crappy cycle" that disrupts their lives and WELL-being.
Confrontation at the Bylaw Office
Upon arriving at the bylaw office on Ellis Street, the group filled the small office, continuing their chants and demanding a meeting with city officials. They specifically called for Nick Bonnett, the city’s bylaw services manager, to address their concerns. Bonnett did emerge to listen to the protesters but declined to commit to an official meeting at that time. The protesters, unhappy with his response, questioned his leadership and labeled him a "puppet," rejecting his refusal to engage immediately.
City’s Response and Ongoing Tensions
Following the protest, Bonnett agreed to comment on the matter for Global News but requested time to "collect his thoughts." Later, the city released a statement denying the allegations of destroying and stealing possessions. The statement emphasized that any removal of materials is conducted in accordance with bylaws and policies, and with compassion and care. However, this response did little to appease the protesters, who continued to express their dissatisfaction. Tony Baxter, a former outreach worker at the tent city, criticized Bonnett and the bylaw team, accusing them of harassment and failing to address the concerns of the unhoused community.
Community Support and Call for Change
Tony Baxter, who was among the protesters, voiced his support for the residents of the tent city, advocating for better treatment by the bylaw officers. He criticized Bonnett’s reluctance to meet with the group, particularly given the daily presence of bylaw officers at the site. Baxter’s involvement underscores the broader community support for the unhoused individuals and the demand for more compassionate and effective solutions to the issues they face.
City’s Promise to Review Concerns
In the aftermath of the protest, the city acknowledged the concerns raised by the demonstrators and committed to reviewing them. Officials indicated that they would engage with the group the following week to discuss their grievances. While this response suggests a willingness to address the issues, it remains to be seen whether the proposed meetings will lead to meaningful changes in how the city handles tent city sweeps and interacts with its unhoused population. The protest and its aftermath highlight the ongoing tensions between the city’s bylaw enforcement and the vulnerable community it affects, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding to find sustainable solutions.
