Image: Chilliwack Cleanup / A homeless camp near the Vedder Bridge and The Eddy, just off Sweltzer Creek Road in Chilliwack.

By Alyssa Conti

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Chilliwack reps raise concerns on growing homelessness, addiction ahead of FIFA 2026

Nov 15, 2025 | 11:41 AM

CHILLIWACK — Members of government representing Chilliwack are calling on the province to take action on a growing safety crisis in the community ahead of the FIFA World Cup next summer.

MP Mark Strahl, along with MLAs A’aliya Warbus and Heather Maahs, have issued a letter expressing concerns about mental health and increasing numbers of homelessness and addictions in Chilliwack.

“While constituents understand the importance of reporting criminal activity, many sense that the community is spiralling out of control,” the letter reads. “There is concern that police are inundated with calls and are challenged to meet these considerable demands, to say nothing of the manpower required and cost implications.”

Issues vary from open drug use and vandalism to break-ins and stories of human excrement and garbage being left around business premises.

As a result, the three representatives are asking for a number of calls to action, including:

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• Reforming the justice and bail system
• Investing in border security, as well as vehicle and container searches
• Increased penalties for convicted drug traffickers and enhanced powers for the Civil Forfeiture Office
• Encouraging anonymous reports of suspected drug activity
• Increasing crime-deterrent infrastructure and technology, such as signage or robotic patrols.

The letter notes that FIFA 2026 may relocate homeless populations from the Greater Vancouver area to Fraser Valley communities, such as Chilliwack.

“This is untenable as a solution and would be reckless with the overcapacity of Chilliwack’s existing homeless situation and our entire caring community already maxed out,” it reads.

City officials called to share the load of sheltering the unhoused at the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) conference in September, following several reports that Chilliwack has been receiving individuals with complex needs from nearby hospitals via taxi.

“Community safety is at risk and inaction is not an option,” the letter continued. “Our goal is that our beloved community and our province can be restored to the wonderful place it once was, in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

Vancouver is set to host seven FIFA tournament matches between June and July 2026.