RCMP to enforce court injunction against Burnaby 'demoviction' protesters

Burnaby RCMP have come and gone onceagain from the occupation of a three-story apartment building slated for demolition and development without making any arrests, but promise they will be back to enforce a court injunction, "once it is appropriate and safe for everyone to do so."

The group called Alliance Against Displacement, which has beenprotesting at 5025 Imperial Streetsince July 9,says the developer Amacon has said it plans to begin removing hazardous waste from the site on Monday, with demolition slated for early August.

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Helen Ward with BurnabyFirst Coalitionreiterated the protesters' hopethat the city will step in and halt the demolition and find a way to preserve housing that she says is affordable.

"This is a community.This a home to people.There's nothing wrong with it," she said.

Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan said the city is powerless to stop owners and developers from tearing down existing buildings to create higher cost condo towers and blames higher levels of government for the growing affordable housing shortage.

He also said that despite demands, the province has not allowed the city to be able to zone for rental housing.

"I think they should arrest Mr. Corrigan," said Martin Fernandez on Friday.

Fernandez is a former residentat 5025 Imperial Street in Burnaby with his twosons, but was given three months notice to leave by Amacon. Rent for his new place is $400 more per month,at $1150.

In 2010, the city voted to dramatically increase density, especially in areas near SkyTrain stations or other transit hubs. Burnabyplannerssaidthe city needed2,000 new units a year for the following25 years to accommodate growth.