Maggie Helwig at the Vancouver Writers Fest

Location
Vancouver Public Library (Central)

Vancouver Writers Fest + Vancouver Public Library

Olivia Parker - olivia@chbooks.com

The housing crisis plaguing major urban centres across Canada has sent countless people into the streets. In spring 2022, some of them found their way to the yard beside the Anglican church in Toronto’s Kensington Market, where Maggie Helwig is the priest. They pitched tents, formed an encampment, and settled in. Known as an outspoken social justice activist, Helwig has spent the last three years getting to know the residents and fighting tooth and nail to allow them to stay.

Helwig shares her story and theirs, and answers audience questions, with The Tyee senior editor Jackie Wong, whose journalism on housing and drug policy has been published widely. Books will be for sale at the event by Upstart & Crow, with a signing afterwards.

Event Details


Start Date February 10, 2026
End DateFebruary 10, 2026
Time7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location Vancouver Public Library (Central)
Address Vancouver Public Library (Central), 350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, British Columbia