Christenson Bailey has been living in Vancouver’s Stanley Park for over 30 years, making him the park’s longest resident. His campsite is hidden in the forest, made up of simple and functional materials like old fishing nets and tarps. Bailey’s goal in living in the park was to connect with nature and use it as inspiration for his artistic expression. Park rangers and police have known about his camp for years, but with a recent infestation of hemlock looper moth and Bailey now being 74 years old, his time in the park is coming to an end. Over the years, Bailey has faced various weather challenges, including a snowstorm in 1996 and a windstorm in 2006.
Bailey’s journey to living in Stanley Park began after a series of life changes, including moving to Canada from the United States and studying engineering before ultimately pursuing art. He first visited Vancouver in 1981 and was drawn to the city’s coastal beauty. After settling in Stanley Park in 1990, Bailey found solace and inspiration in the quiet and natural surroundings. Despite the challenges of living outdoors, Bailey was largely self-sufficient and developed a trusting relationship with park rangers and police officers who monitored the forest.
Throughout Bailey’s time in Stanley Park, officers like Const. Mike Keller and Sgt. Susan Sharp have worked to ensure his safety and well-being. While there have been discussions over the years about Bailey’s continued presence in the park, he was never considered a threat or a burden to the area. Bailey is one of many individuals who have lived in the park over the years, with estimates of up to 30 people at one point. However, Bailey’s extended stay in the forest has attracted the attention of various organizations and city departments, who are now involved in planning his next steps as he prepares to leave the park.
Bailey’s life in Stanley Park has been marked by major weather events like the Storm of the Century in 1996 and a windstorm in 2006. Despite these challenges, Bailey has found peace and contentment in his simple campsite, surrounded by his artwork, musical instruments, and the beauty of the forest. As he reflects on his time in the park, Bailey acknowledges the impact the natural surroundings have had on his creativity and personal growth. While his departure from Stanley Park marks the end of an era, it also opens up new possibilities for Bailey as he transitions to a new chapter in his life.
The story of Christenson Bailey offers a glimpse into a unique and unconventional way of life, where a man has found fulfillment and purpose in the simplicity of living close to nature. Bailey’s dedication to his art and his connection with the forest have shaped his identity as Stanley Park’s longest resident. As he prepares to leave the park and embark on a new phase of his life, Bailey’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of nature. Through his experiences and interactions with park rangers and police officers, Bailey has created a legacy that will endure long after he has left Stanley Park.
