Vancouver removing tents on East Hastings Street today

Vancouver city staff and police are removing all tents from East Hastings Street today.

The city says the encampment must come to a close following a steady deterioration in public safety and an increase in fires in the area and the encampment zone.

The city confirmed early Wednesday in a news release that it will remove all of the estimated 80 tents and structures remaining in the area.

Authorities have raised concerns about fire and other safety concerns, including a rise in the sexual assault of women in the encampment.

For people who must remove their structures and have indicated that they do not have housing and want shelter, the city said it will continue efforts to connect them with available beds.