Christenson Bailey, also known as Chris, has been living in Vancouver’s Stanley Park for more than 30 years. His campsite may seem small and unassuming from the outside, but it is filled with his artwork, musical instruments, and flowers. Bailey’s decision to call Stanley Park home was motivated by a quest for peace and quiet to enhance his creativity. He constructed his campsite using old fishing nets and ropes discarded from nearby marinas, with everything being simple yet functional. Bailey’s presence and campsite in the park were known to park rangers and police officers, but now faces eviction due to a park-wide infestation of hemlock looper moth.
Bailey was born in Saint Louis, Mo., in 1949, and later moved to Philadelphia before immigrating to Canada in 1965. He studied engineering at the University of Waterloo and worked various jobs, including analyzing operations in commercial banking. However, Bailey found his true calling in art after studying at an art college in Montreal in the late ’70s. He later explored Europe before visiting Vancouver for the first time in 1981, sparking a desire to move west. In 1990, Bailey made the decision to live in Stanley Park, initially for self-development but ended up spending the next three decades in the forest.
Living in the park comes with its challenges, such as weather events like the 1996 “Storm of the Century” and the 2006 windstorm that levelled a significant portion of the park. Despite the difficulties, Bailey has developed a strong relationship with park rangers and police officers. He always ensures to check-in with them after storms to let them know he is safe. Officers like Const. Mike Keller and Sgt. Susan Sharp have worked closely with Bailey over the years, running background checks and providing support. Bailey’s self-sufficiency and lack of involvement in crime or substance abuse have made him a unique case in terms of allowing him to stay in the park.
Throughout Bailey’s stay in Stanley Park, he has experienced various natural events, from extreme weather to park infestations, but he remains resilient. His home in the forest, constructed from discarded materials, has served as a haven for his creativity and self-expression. Many people have lived in Stanley Park over the years, but Bailey’s prolonged stay has sparked discussions among city departments and organizations about his next steps. Despite facing eviction due to the changing landscape of the park, Bailey reflects on his time spent in nature, appreciating the peace and quiet that has inspired his artistic pursuits throughout the years. His 30-year journey in Stanley Park has been filled with experiences, challenges, and a unique way of living that sets him apart as the longest resident of this urban forest.
