Niveja Assalaarachchi

This is a photo of a shelter outside, with two large tents, a small fridge, a bench, and a bicycle featured. There is a garbage can that says “City of Vancouver” up close to the right side of the photo.
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SFU study finds that street sweeps reinforce systemic harm

Peak Web November 9, 2025

By: Niveja Assalaarachchi, News Writer A study conducted between 2021 and 2023 by SFU found that street sweeps by the City of Vancouver lead to higher rates of violence, disrupted access to services, and overdose risk.  Street sweeps involve police officers and city workers clearing public areas, displacing unhoused individuals, and often seizing belongings in the process. The study noted these practices first appeared in Vancouver in 2008 and are typically carried out under the pretext of tackling crime and dismantling illegal settlements, such as tent cities.  In early 2024, residents of the CRAB Park tent city were forcibly removed…

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This is a photo of a woman wearing rubber gloves, a hairnet, protective eyewear, an N95 mask, and protective clothing while sitting at a desk with a pen and paper. She is looking over to the left, and another woman is also up close to the right of the photograph, thinking.
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Pushing for a national N95 masking standard

Peak Web November 8, 2025

By: Niveja Assalaarachchi, News Writer On June 20, the Canadian Standards Association, also known as the CSA Group, released a new draft version of CSA standard Z94.4, which was open to public consultation until August 19. It sets to regulate…

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A boy holding his mother's hand as they walk down a street. A car driving by, with the window rolled down. The person in the back seat of the car spews hate speech that is showcased through typographical symbols.
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Anti-South Asian racism is a Canadian issue

Peak Web November 8, 2025

By: Niveja Assalaarachchi, News Writer I was 11 years old, walking down the street with my mom. We were chatting while heading back home from a game of cricket. Suddenly, three people in a car driving by began yelling obscene…

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TransLink’s new service expansion boosts bus connectivity to SFU

Peak Web November 8, 2025

By: Niveja Assalaarachchi, News Writer On August 18, TransLink announced its latest round of service adjustments for fall 2025. As of September 1, bus service was increased for 53 routes throughout Metro Vancouver. These adjustments were made possible by TransLink’s…

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