Image: Kelly Hawes / Piles of illegally dumped drywall in the Chilliwack River Valley. Rather than incessantly lament the irresponsible actions of a few scofflaws, Hawes started making phone calls on a rainy day in October 2024. She contacted a company called Preconstruction Services, a drywall asbestos abatement company that took on the task of removing the environmentally hazardous materials. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Dumped materials removed in Chilliwack

Chilliwack resident instrumental in getting toxic dump removed from the Chilliwack River Valley

Jan 9, 2025 | 5:48 AM

CHILLIWACK — For all the bad news originating from within the Chilliwack River Valley concerning unsightly homeless encampments, illegal dumping and abandoned vehicles, Kelly Hawes decided to do something about it.

Hawes says three piles of drywall containing asbestos were dumped in the Chilliwack River Valley in the spring and summer of 2024, creating an environmental hazard that can be problematic to properly dispose of.

“One of the piles was dumped on the Trans Canada Trail, and one of the piles had been there since March and no one was doing anything about it,” Hawes told Fraser Valley Today through Facebook Messenger Wednesday evening (Jan. 8).

Rather than incessantly lament the irresponsible actions of a few scofflaws, Hawes started making phone calls on a rainy day in October 2024. She contacted a company called Preconstruction Services, a drywall asbestos abatement company that took on the task.

“I worry how things like this effects our environment and the wildlife,” Hawes said. “I didn’t know it would take this long. But because they contained asbestos, it was a lot more complicated and expensive.”

Paid parking in downtown Chilliwack

Mayor Popove reaffirms stance on paid parking in downtown Chilliwack, casts doubt on parkade possibility

5h ago

Chilliwack boutique retailer to close

Downtown Chilliwack boutique clothing store set to close after 24 years in business

5h ago

CP NewsAlert: Elections BC looks into vote complaint in riding that gave NDP majority

5h ago

As of 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, the drywall piles were removed.

“It took months for them to get the paperwork in order due to our wonderful government,” Hawes said. “This project was paid for by FVRD with the help of Patti MacAhonic, Director, Electoral Area E. And it wasn’t cheap. I haven’t got the final bill yet but the quote was over $7,000. It definitely feels good to know it’s gone. But how to prevent it from happening again is a whole other issue.”