Meet the man who's lived in Stanley Park in Vancouver for 30 years
Hidden in the forest of Vancouver's Stanley Park, not far from a walking trail, there’s a campsite. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much - a few green tarps attached to a couple of trees.
You’d be forgiven for missing it, even if you saw it. But this isn’t just any campsite.
This site belongs to a man who’s chosen to call the city's crown jewel home for more than 30 years. His name is Christenson Bailey and he’s Stanley Park’s longest resident.
Global's Alissa Thibault reports.
This is part one of a three part Global News series
For more info, please go to globalnews.ca/news/10418430/s...
Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: bit.ly/20fcXDc
Like Global News on Facebook HERE: bit.ly/255GMJQ
Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: bit.ly/1Toz8mt
Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: bit.ly/2QZaZIB
#GlobalNews #stanleypark #vancouver #lastmaninstanleypark
Watch part 2 for more details on how Bailey survived 'off the grid': kzhead.info/sun/aLlmaahxqZ-Bq3k/bejne.html
Shows that even after thirty years and no excuses like drugs and welfare Canadians still have zero political sympathy for homelessness. Brutal, broken nation.
@@ironhell813 What are you talking about? They can do anything they want.
He's not a drug addict, he's just a quirky guy who lives in the woods. Dudes a gem and I hope he lives there for as long as he wants.
This I support
Thank you, I wasn't certain if he was still alive. Amazing story and I hope he keeps living such a tranquil life.
I bet Chris has some amazing stories to tell...
He's not on drugs precisely BECAUSE he doesn't live in the city 😂 good for him.
Maybe he's thinks we are the quirky ones, bc from his perspective this all has to look like a circus.
The best part about this story is that although he's homeless, he's not a drug addict. Let him stay in Stanley Park. He deserves to stay there because he has proven for 30 years that he can live harmoniously with nature, and is no bother to anyone.
Not everyone that's homeless is a drug addict. Yes, there is a good majority of people that are homeless because of addictions but, regardless, I think everyone should be treated equally and respected all the same.
The main cause of homelessness in Canada is the lack of affordable housing--not drugs.
he isn't "homeless". you are another social construct.
No, he's a squatter who needs to get a job.
@@AnnapurnaMoffatt thats a lie! its degenerate behaviour! rooms can still be rented for 500-1000$ a month which is far less than a minimum wage income
He is happier than 99.9% of people I meet on daily basis…. Really makes you really stop and think
Pretty sad statement.
@@SusanLeger Pretty sad attitude. You are obviously not a very positive person. Try to smile there champ. lol I think his attitude is refreshing.
To be fair. . . it's hard to say how happy he is. I _hope_ he's happy.
Wishful thinking but in reality he never smiled or laughed once during the interview. Contented people will exhibit positive behaviours and attitudes. This guy was deadpan. 99% of the people you know are unhappier than this? lol.🤣😂
@@eyesuckleHe is enjoying the birds in his tent painting pictures. Everyone I know is worried about losing their homes with rising interest rates, rapidly increasing taxes, struggling to try to buy food, can’t afford the ridiculous natural gas bills. Basically by having a minimalist lifestyle to the extreme he avoids a great deal of the stress and pressures of life.
This is a good citizen,, Not addicted, he is FREE. NOT a burden to society, but a blessing through his art. GOD BLESS HIM!
YES he is exactly like Walden! 🏕🏞🏖🎨 An enlightened soul!🕊💞💫🪷🙏
So if he’s addicted to drugs then he’s a bad citizen? Seriously? Do you know how society has failed people who are addicted to drugs? Judge not my friend.
Hmmm..yes, one can be a bad citizen if addicted to drugs. Seriously. Do you know how people who are addicted to drugs fail society? Judge based on fact my friend.
He’s on assistance though
@@MustardTigerFan42 At 74, he'll getting his pension!
Now that he has this exposure for the public, I hope he remains safe and happy.
he has sold his art for millions now. he wears lots of gold and listens to Snoop Dogg
@JalomMatia you wish?
I grew up in a small town on the outskirts of Manchester, UK. There was an old guy with one arm who had lived in the local park for years - ever since i could remember. He was one of the happiest guys i had ever met and always said hello to us young kids whenever we'd see him. One day he just vanished and nobody in the town knew where he went. I'm 40yrs old now and think about that old guy all the time.
Does he cross your mind when you're cutting checks for taxes?
@@danielfiore8865??
@@danielfiore8865He had one arm and living in a park, don't worry, he was not living the grand life on money taken from your taxes.
@@valeria-militiamessalina5672 Ha ha... great reply... obviously fully masked, even while sleeping.
@@danielfiore8865 you cannot even be serious. Hopefully you do not lose one of your extremities one day and people see you that way.
This is the first good canadian news i have seen in a long time. Makes me proud.
Did the CA police run horses over his camp because he didn't take the jab?
@@danielmanly4793 what does this even have to do with anything? Are you attempting to be funny?
@@neobahumut707 This has to do with the Canadian LE running folks over with equine during the so called trucker protest, have you forgotten so quickly?
@@neobahumut707 Did the CA government ban him from traveling from one homeless camp to the next?
@@neobahumut707 Did the CA government tell this man that he must accept a medical procedure in order to maintain his primary source of income?
The fact birds feel safe with him says a lot, he living a better life than anyone in North Vancouver and Vancouver.
not the geese though
"birds feel safe with him" lol No, animals will go anywhere there is food.
Ye im sure living with birds free'ly pooping in your living space is the healthiest thing you can do. Im sure Histoplasmosis from the spores in bird droppings is PERFECTLY healthy.
Except for the Geese and Ducks that end up being his lunch!
'He living a better life then anyone in ...' 😂😂😂 Sure 😂😂😂
What a bright, kind, and thoughtful man. Wish him all the best.
and talented too, that's some decent artwork!
@@dustinwatkins7843 i wish his art sells more but lets face it 30 yrs should tell you its should just been a hobby
I love how even the police were able to form bonds/relationships with him. And speak highly of him. What a Good Soul.
You have no idea what kind of person he is from this short video. So what if he lives in a bunch of plastic off the grid?
@@Wilsnapok Mr contrarian
@@PopPopPopPop Don't mind the troll. They get paid to make mindless statements.
He's living what some would describe as an "authentic"life. To each their own.
try that in middle of alaska
@@darugdawg2453 Or Winnipeg.
It's why he left his home town .... So he dsnt have to try in the middle of wherever lol.
I was homeless downtown for 10 years and lived in stanley park for 1.5years....I've NEVER seen this man before. Crazy
Probably went of his way to avoid you like most people
@@BrianShaneRushton That's not nice
@@f.mazz.459 Unless he meant that he avoided most people by avoiding them?
I live in Vancouver since 2010, been all around Stanley Park. Im there every week at least twice. Never knew he was there, mate is a ninja
@@f.mazz.459 sorry I meant the guy in the park seems like a recluse and goes out of his way to avoid people so op might not have run into him
This guy is a friggin LEGEND
So why aren't you living the dream under tarps in a public park too? 🤣
@@jasonsmith8324 cause I'm too busy living in a van down by the river
@@robbrenton9438 Good for you! I used to live in a schoolbus! Have actually had 2 of them! Love the freedom of NOT PAYING rent and being able to travel and work then travel on! Not having to be stuck in one damn job or place! Enjoy!❤ 🚛
@@robbrenton9438 LOL, great reference Rob.
@jasonking831 Your comment is great, because it highlights the differences in generations. You're using "l.o.l" rather than it's grammatical correct form: "L.O.L.", but it's not even how it was first used in the 90s as "LOL". Then you go ahead and use commas instead of periods, and then go on to use periods? Hilarious grammatical errors left and right!
I remember how concerned we all were for him in the 2006 windstorm. Lovely to have his story presented/preserved.
Having survived that experience speaks to his being looked after by Nature herself.
Chris is a true artist, he has really found himself. He has a warm home inside his heart, he's not really homeless; he's sane, strong, smart. Interesting man.
He is a national treasure who should be protected as he is exactly.
He's not homeless; his home is Stanley Park.
Stanley Park is not his home ,maybe he should camp in your yard .
@@XiaoxiaoYuyu-ug3gy No space before and one space after punctuation: "... his home, maybe ... in your yard."
@@XiaoxiaoYuyu-ug3gyreally? Your yard is a huge "park"? .. grow up, he's not hurting anyone. Let him live his life and you live yours.
He has an actual mailing address if he gets a post office box.
@@Aqui77aO With the rent that high in Vancouver ,more and more people camp and stay at Stanley Park than ,,,,
The fact that he the police and government do not seem to hassle him or care that he and others like him use the space responsibly is almost as amazing as the man himself.
I wish him peace and happiness!
I love this dude! What a great guy. Living life on his terms, we all should take a note from him.
i agree with you there, i would rather live in the forest then deal with city life. do my drawing out there, painting. :D
I see lots of these guys under the bridge every day, just living the dream.
@@JokerForDictator Greed is great, Eh ? : )
I'd definitely buy one of those gorgeous paintings
I wonder if selling his art is how he can afford food and necessities?
This is not difficult he just wanted to be alone. He found his joy and his Humanity in the wild with nature. We should envy him at some level❤
What a beautiful soul!
This guy i met when i was 15 at stanley park when i lived on the streets. I am now almost 51. Happy to see ur alive!! Youre more than welcomed to come live in my camp. Bring ur art people love arts up here in the boreal forest 😊
I have Total Respect for this wonderful man, he set out to live his life the way he wanted and he succeeded, he disturbs no-one and is completely at peace with himself. I wish you many, many more wonderful days Chris
He sounds like a nicer person than most of the people living in the city. He is well spoken and a very talented artist. There is much to be said about not being obsessed with monetary gain and material possessions. 😀👍
What an awesome good hearted dude.
This guy is happier than the majority of our country
Protect this man at all costs 🙏
He is ahead of his time. Canadians will be more like him in the future
If justina keeps raising the cost of living then yes we will all be living in tent cities
True story .
Net zero
Looks like it's going that way.😒
Lol with the rents as they are, youre not wrong.
If he's not bothering anyone, there's no problem with this.
Lets all live for free in the park!
@@daviddinkins7009 Not many would choose that option.
The problem is if everyone did this.
Why would people want to lol. Most people wouldn't.@@jeepstuff4004
@@jeepstuff4004 I don't think many would. No bathrooms, no shower, no proper heat or air conditioning, easier to get your stuff stolen, no mailing address...
His artwork is really nice and real. I wouldn't be surprised if someone paid a good amount for one of those.
He’s art is beautiful. He is so well-connected to the land🙏😇 Stanley Park is always been magical to me
Same. Been homeless in Vancouver and only ever felt safe sleeping in Stanley Park. His art is beautiful and his peace of mind is all that matter. Take care old friend.
I was living in Stanley park in 1985/86 for a couple of weeks: even had a write up printed in the ' letters to the editor ' section of the newspaper to celebrate Stanley Park's 100th birthday, but this man could write a book on it ( Stanley Park ) and I would be one of the first guys in the book signing lineup to get his autograph, if he does write it. Inspiring story of true grit and acceptance by our police and public . Big story !
To each their own. He’s not hurting anyone, not a threat to the public, not bothering a soul. Let him keep on keeping on.
What a beautiful gentleman and great artist omfg
He looks at peace and genuinely happy that is all that matters.
Stanley is a lovely park. When I was young I would come from California to my grandmother's in Vancouver working for my aunt and uncle at the PNE. Best wishes from France (since 2007).
What a life. California and BC when they were still amazing places to be. Now France. You are lucky.
@@CommoditySC Lucky, yes. However there were many obstacles...
What a beautiful soul. His paintings are phenomenal.
What a lovely man and good on him for finding his happiness and home in Stanley Park. I’ve seen homelessness when out and about I’ve seen the tent cities set up and Chris here is nothing like those people who are in a bad place or down on their luck. He’s living his best life and he’s happy what he’s doing. I wish him nothing but the best. 😊
Yes two very different mind sets! He is embodying what the book On Waldens Pond was talking about! Very peaceful existence of harmony and freedom most people never experience! 🕊🫶💫🪷🏞🏕🙏
Self-realized individual. I would visit him everyday to say hi if it wasn't a bother to him. I don't blame him regarding Vancouver. It was incredibly beautiful and my wife and I went there for our honeymoon. Such a chill dude, I hope him the best.
Chris reminds me very much of Lyall. There were more than 10 men living in the park a decade ago when I knew Lyall who lived there. He was an-ex UBC Professor who dressed so well people were shocked that he was Homeless. He would stand by the Vancouver Trolley Company stop at English Bay and help visitors get around. I drove Bus Tours for VTC and saw Lyall there all the time. Micheal, the man who owns the Hotdog Stand there said he offered Lyall a place to stay but he politely refused, saying he preferred the park. One August night after watching a TUT's show I was walking back to my car when I came across Lyall heading home.
I saw his home there. Once then I was browsing through the bushes: It was surreal. Huge castl-like structures in a long line . so close to the road yet so well hidden.
Growing up in downtown, I've walked past it many times as a kid. Seen him a few times as well.
He's absolutely right ! I lived this way too, but had to return to the city. Never got over the shock of leaving 'heaven'.
Cant wait for Tom Hanks next movie titled "Stanley Park".
Hanks'
As long as he isn't making a mess or harrassing people leave him be,he isn't hurting anyone and he's happy.
He should watch some of those "forest bunker' videos. He could build a nice bunker, underground, using downed tree's. Safer, more secluded and way less maintenance.
Yeah... if I lived in the woods for 30 years with no 9-5, I'd have built something nicer than that lol
@@RyanBanmanno you wouldn’t. Stop lying to yourself.
Dude loved his love how he wanted. Respect for living your life with out hurting others.
“This man did it for 34 years! The rest of you Canadians just need to get ready and embrace what’s coming!”
Klaus Schwabstikka says we will all own nothing and be happy. Also we will be eating bugs.
What an amazing survivalist. I hope they leave him alone. Bravo Adam
So what is the end of this story? It said earlier he wouldn't be there much longer. Why?
The park board or whoever is going to cut down trees equivalent to 1/3 the size of the park. Maybe he is in that section???
@@kc3678why would anyone do that to a forest?!?
@@Celisar1 Ask them, it was in the news a while ago and just recently. Pests supposedly and fire hazard.
What a cool guy, you did it your way. Wishing the best
This is the most put together homeless man I’ve ever seen
This man most definitely has a home and knows it better than most of us know our own backyard
@TradBox well he clearly doesn't if he's living under a tarp in Stanley Park, this clip is literally about a homeless dude that lives outside
What a legend! I got a lot of appreciation for people like Chris.
This is a good citizen He is just a lover of nature and freedom, this people should be supported always and helped, if they need it. God bless.
perhaps not a bad citizen, but a good citizen helps other people, and if you don't want kids, or many things, then devote your time to helping others with your time, or working and with your money, that is a good citizen.
@@JalomMatia No He`s a very good citizen : ) A bad citizen is a Greedy person ! : ( : (
Great story, his art work is really good. A true artist, reminds me of Emily Carr, her passion for the forest.
we all love camping in the forest.
Society could learn alot from this man. Awesome 😎👍🏼
Yeah im good off that
Grew up in Vancouver in the 80s and 90s.... my father used to navigate those waters, and would hear stories of many goings on around the city and area, never have I heard of this guy. Well done.
This man is free. No stress. Content. Away from people who cause him any trouble. And he looks very healthy and fit by the way he walks. God bless him.. 🙏🌹
I lived in the park as a young hippie in 69, lovely trees.
What an amazing video. I hope he stays safe and happy.
What a wonderful man! He seems at peace!😊
Living his best life - that's great that he has done that while pursuing his passion for art while living clean
I don't understand how this has been allowed to happen for so long? People get shut down for way less, can't sleep in your own vehicle/camper without being asked to move on here on Vancouver Island. Not such a good idea putting this on the news with housing and costs what they are today......hope he stays safe🙏
Wow, what a story! Very inspiring & uplifting. Glad I came across this. Go Chris!
What a special man. The forest helpt to preserv a real genuine Canadian sole. Kept away from modern society and remained pure and sincere. Beautiful story. Thank you!❤
this is astonishing how he managed to survive the cold winter 😢
What cold winter? It's vancouver.
I had once considering doing this. I’m surprised they leave him alone. I also looked into getting some land in the woods and living in a camp off the grid -- Did you know that even if you BUY land, and try to live on it without building a “regulation” house, the government will stop you? Utterly ridiculous.
Didn't know that! What if you just hide out on your land. Who will know?
@@watchfuleye275 It can be done but it’s not as easy as it should be. Forget about having a road or drive in from the road to your dwelling. You also can’t have any mail come there; you’d need a PO Box. Then there’s the problem that employers, banks, the CRA, require a residential address, so you would have to know someone with a legal home that will lie and say you live there and that is your address. It’s just a load of bull. When they were trying to colonize this country, they would give you land for free to come over from Britain. You could build a home out of sods or hay bails and no one would stop you because it was *your* land. Now, even when you buy land, the government technically still controls it. They can give you money and kick you off anytime they want to build a road through it.
@@darwinsaye Oh yes, I didn't realize all the hoops one has to jump through! The guy is lucky no one bothers him for now.
Met a guy like this in Ontario. I was kayaking with the kids and hopped into an island to explore. Found a structure built and was super curious. Guy comes walking out. Startled me I will say. He started showing us around. I was being cautious more because I had my kids. Guy ended up being a librarian who just loved the outdoors. Used his canoe to bring all the building materials out there and set up a sweet little spot. Had a guestbook for people to sign, and said he was cool with people going there while he’s not there. Most people were respectful of the area, and I asked and he even said he’d had fire service stop by upon seeing smoke and not boot him out as long as he’s being responsible.
I've lived in a caravan for 20 years now. It's in a beautiful garden and I have my caravan under a zinc roof with an outdoor kitchen and I pay rent by helping out with things and keeping my eye on the place when they're away. Me and my cat and my bird photography and hobbies and crafts and writing. I have a tiny pension...
I admire this man. Living life on his own terms. Looks like he has adapted well . I hope he is able to continue to live his life in the freedom he has become accustomed to
Fortunate man in many ways. I wish him the best.
What an incredible and sweet, wonderful man ❤
maybe. some would say it's vanity and self absorbed.
God bless him with a wonderful talent, and protect him also outside with angels wings our love always 🙏🏼❤️🥦🌻🏵️🌺🌸🪴
Fascinating man , and obviously very talented in the art . Wish him the best.
Constable, thank you so much for being so kind to Chris. At first, I thought this man was one of our Vietnam veterans. I am so proud of Chris for his resilience and his artistic world. Hello Chris hello Canada. 🇨🇦. Greetings from across the pond on the shores of Lake Erie from Cleveland, Ohio. 🇺🇸By boat your shoreline is 45 minutes do north from my home. We are neighbors!
He has lived his live the way he wanted and made beautiful art in the process.
Amazing story and art love how the police were so caring
What a lovely man. Best wishes from the UK.
Chris seems like a good guy. When I was street bound in Lincoln, NE, I was protected by police and parks and recreation. It was something that I knew I had to do because of meeting so many people who suffered with worse medical and emotional difficulties than what I suffered with. I won't forget that time in my life, and I learned a lot about myself in the process. I really appreciate this story.
I wish I can go out there and learn how to live like this man. I'm currently living in a bush outside my home town for the past while, me and my dog share a small tent but nothing as close as nice as his place. Keeping my dog safe from dangerous people and his happiness is my only concern in this life.
Is your happiness not a concern for you?
@@mfurman I've been selfish my entire life trying to chase ideas of what happiness is and maybe me even now. It might be selfish of me to focus on my dog and his happiness because I'm only happy when he is.
honestly jealous of how free this guy is.
Tyler Durden : The things you own end up owning you.] It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.
No doubt eh
Do the same…
Praying for him and anyone who is homeless..
His paintings are beautiful and his music ... A good and decent man ! May God bless him ❤
Let this man live his best life
I spent a summer in Stanley Park 1970. Half my stuff got stolen. Other than that it was a beautiful place to live for a while
Wow he’s an awesome old man. May God grant him a life long of life!! He’s really smart too…
Wow! That's crazy. I had no idea there was a man living in the park and for that long. I'm surprised the city let him be. Right on. God bless him 🙏
World of: Cheats, Wars,Crimes,. This guy is a hope. A hope which means he found A peace within himself. Material Lust doesn't matter at all to him. Stay blessed my Friend.
Beautiful soul and his art is so amazing. Wishing him all the best in the future and hopefully he’ll find a place to call home and feel comfortable in 🙏🏻❤️
He lives in harmony with nature, special kind of person, Deserves to be where he is, he's earned it! 🙂.
Amazing story - extremely talented artist and a good soul. I hope that he has many more days to come.
This man is a beautiful person, he is smart and wise and kind. His art is so, so good ! ❤ He is very talented. I wish him health and to live his life the way he wants. If he needs help, let us know. Thank you for this amazing video.
People would say this mad lol but it's good to see someone living true nature
The real true Outdoors man to the core! No, joking, this is a man I respect truly, hardcore by living in the elements but elegant, kindhearted, self-sufficient, and so much more and, most of all, a passionate nature-loving Artist 🎨
I wish more were like him! We need more of this in the world! God bless
He is more normal then most people, I would argue.
Chris tented outside in cold, wind, rain, and snow for 30 years without modern comforts--which is fantastic.
It's such a shame that only after he dies will his painting and artwork be recognized! Each piece of artwork with a story behind it would make a wonderful gift! People should be buying these now while the price is low! They'll be Untouchable in 10 years!!
What a free spirit he has!