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

#GlobalNews #stanleypark #vancouver #lastmaninstanleypark

[williamgrand]

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.

[dontworryaboutit]

What a bright, kind, and thoughtful man. Wish him all the best.

[rosiecole]

This is a good citizen, , Not addicted, he is FREE. NOT a burden to society, but a blessing through his art. GOD BLESS HIM!

[tonimarx]

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.

[neobahumut]

This is the first good canadian news i have seen in a long time. Makes me proud.

[Dansyoung]

He is happier than 99.9% of people I meet on daily basis…. Really makes you really stop and think

[cptnbarbeausa]

I love how even the police were able to form bonds/relationships with him. And speak highly of him. What a Good Soul.

[annabelleedge]

I remember how concerned we all were for him in the 2006 windstorm. Lovely to have his story presented/preserved.

[crocadoodle]

Now that he has this exposure for the public, I hope he remains safe and happy.

[cardboardcrawlersrc]

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.

[thuydoan]

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.

[a]

He is a national treasure who should be protected as he is exactly.

[SusanaSanjuan-zn]

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.

[rossome]

I was homeless downtown for 10 years and lived in stanley park for 1.5years....I've NEVER seen this man before. Crazy

[debbieangel]

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

[lizajane]

I love this dude! What a great guy. Living life on his terms, we all should take a note from him.

[BL_]

This guy is happier than the majority of our country

[kc]

He's living what some would describe as an "authentic"life. To each their own.

[brahsumatra]

The fact birds feel safe with him says a lot, he living a better life than anyone in North Vancouver and Vancouver.

[shantispliff]

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 😊