Killings, Stabbings, Knife Fights: Vancouver Bistro Weighs Leaving Neighbourhood Street Disorder
In the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, the owner of Calabash Bistro voices a growing frustration that transcends the daily challenges of running a restaurant. For Cullin David, the last 15 years have been marked by escalating violence, drug-related activities, and a pervasive sense of danger outside his establishment, painting a grim picture of a neighborhood many overlook.
David describes the tumultuous environment as akin to a “war zone,” where the sights and sounds of illegal activities play out just steps from the bistro’s doors. Each excursion to his commissary kitchen at the corner of Carrall and Hastings streets feels like a perilous mission, with David confronted by the stark realities of street disorder and aggression. His concerns extend not only to his personal safety but to that of his customers, staff, and business partners.
"We’re tired of dodging drug use and violence," David states, highlighting the impact of the rampant crime that plagues this block, notorious for having one of the highest crime rates in the city. The relentless nature of these incidents has left him questioning the viability of continuing his business in an area he once embraced.
The disturbing frequency of stabbings and knife fights only adds to the urgency of the situation, forcing local business owners like David to reconsider their future. Each day presents a new set of challenges, and the toll of living in such an environment can be overwhelming for anyone simply trying to operate a legitimate venture.
As community leaders and residents grapple with how to restore safety and order, David’s contemplation of leaving underscores a broader crisis affecting the fabric of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where the clash between commerce and chaos continues to escalate.
Watch the video by Global News
Video “”Killings, stabbings, knife fights:” Vancouver bistro weighs leaving neighbourhood street disorder” was uploaded on 06/17/2025 to Youtube Channel Global News