Home / Crime and Justice / B.C. Homeless Camp Eviction: Time Running Out for Residents
B.C. Homeless Camp Eviction: Time Running Out for Residents
6 Oct
Summary
- Abbotsford residents at a Highway 1 encampment face a Tuesday eviction deadline.
- The encampment has a history of safety issues, including past gunfire and a homicide.
- Some residents have found housing, but others face an uncertain future.
The province has issued notices for residents of a homeless encampment in Abbotsford, British Columbia, to vacate the former Whatcom Road park and ride site along Highway 1 by Tuesday. This directive marks the end of a long-standing encampment that has been a source of community tension and safety concerns, including incidents of fires and gunfire, and a fatal shooting in March. Approximately six individuals remain at the site, with some, like Randy Rosteski who has lived there for three years, having secured new housing. However, the plans for the remaining residents are unclear. Officials from the Ministry of Transportation and B.C. Housing were reportedly unavailable for comment due to the ongoing election campaign. Abbotsford police expressed a desire to avoid evicting those without alternative housing, emphasizing that such solutions fall under the purview of other government levels. Police are expected to be present as the site is cleared on Tuesday afternoon. Former residents have shared experiences of feeling unsafe due to the camp's volatile environment.
