Statement from the City of Vancouver on the ruling by the United States Supreme Court in Grants Pass v. Johnson

Statement from the City of Vancouver on the ruling by the United States Supreme Court in Grants Pass v. Johnson

June 28, 2024

Today's Supreme Court ruling does not change the urgency surrounding the issues related to homelessness or our continued work on this humanitarian crisis. Vancouver's existing ordinances and related emergency orders remain fully valid and enforceable.

The Supreme Court recognized that addressing homelessness is complex and best left - not to judges - but to the people and their elected representatives to regulate. This underscores the importance of continued thoughtful discussion on regulating the livability impacts of unsheltered homelessness in our community.

Over the years, the City has made significant progress in addressing homelessness and related issues, including declaring an emergency in 2023 to expand our efforts to address this crisis and its impacts on both the housed and the unhoused.

The City is committed to the safety and well-being of everyone who calls Vancouver home. We will continue working with the community and our partners to address the growing complexity and severity of the crisis surrounding this issue.

Learn more about Vancouver's response to homelessness.