Letter: Trash, tents transform trail By Michael Pardridge, Vancouver Share: When did Vancouver start trying to be like Portland? We took a Christmas Day walk along the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail (off Northeast Andresen Road) and came across a bunch of blue-tarp tent domains. It’s like a burgeoning homeless village back there, lots of trash, abandoned shopping carts. A very ominous atmosphere, given how isolated you are, completely destroying your hopes of a peaceful stroll. Portland let it happen to them. Portland gave up. Is Vancouver doing the same? We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions.