Anti-gentrification activist goes on hunger strike
Hunger strike comes after spate of alleged anti-gentrification demonstrations
CBC News
Posted: Mar 22, 2013 3:24 PM PT
Last Updated: Mar 22, 2013 9:49 PM PT
A formerly homeless Vancouver man says he will begin a hunger strike today to protest a condo project in the Downtown Eastside.
The 51-year-old man, who calls himself "Homeless Dave", says more social housing is needed in the city's low-income neighbourhoods.
He spoke in front of a dozen demonstrators gathered in front of the Pangates Sequel 138 condo project on East Hastings Street on Friday.
"We want this to be social housing… 100 per cent social housing," he said. "We want a health and wellness centre."
Homeless Dave says he is diabetic, but will continue his hunger strike until his demands are met.
On Friday night, demonstrators are expected to once again gather outside of Pidgin, a new restaurant on Carrall Street that protestors say is a symbol of gentrification in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
Earlier this month, the windows of an East Vancouver pizzeria were allegedly smashed by an anti-gentrification group. And on Thursday, anarchists allegedly stole a sandwich board belonging to iconic Downtown Eastside butcher shop, Save on Meats.
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