Homeless camps in Abbotsford taxing police resources, impacting public safety: AbbyPD spokesperson

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Sgt. Walker says there has been no direct operational direction provided to the Abbotsford Police Department by the province specific to the management of encampments. Broader provincial housing and homelessness strategies are led by the province and delivered through agencies such as BC Housing.

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Encampments continue to linger at various sites along Highway 1 in Abbotsford, which are located on Ministry of Transportation and Transits land.

“The Ministry is the landowner and has not requested AbbyPD to enforce trespass legislation, nor has it asked for assistance in removing occupants from these locations. It is also important to note that municipal bylaws are not enforceable on provincially owned land,” he said.

Sgt. Walker says encampments like the one at Cole Road rest stop and the Whatcom Road park and ride lot have taxed public resources around policing.

“Over the past several years, AbbyPD has continued to redirect and dedicate police resources toward managing public‑safety issues at and around these encampments,” he pointed out. “This ongoing demand draws resources away from other policing priorities and, in some cases, from proactive or preventative work. These pressures could be reduced if the broader situation were more effectively addressed on a regular weekly basis at the provincial level.”

The encampment along Whatcom Road is the most glaring and recently example highlighting the increasing safety concerns associated with these sites. Following the recent homicide and large‑scale fire, conditions at the encampment remain unsafe. Sgt. Walker says cleanliness has not improved, and significant risks persist, underscoring the need for timely and decisive action.

A man was fatally shot at the Whatcom Park and Ride lot in Abbotsford late Monday (March 23) night. (Image Credit: AbbyPD.)

“AbbyPD’s role remains focused on public safety, enforcement when required, and supporting community safety in the areas surrounding these encampments,” Sgt. Walker said. “We continue to hear from residents and businesses in the affected areas that encampments are having a significant impact on community safety, local business operations, and overall cleanliness. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the province and other agencies to balance public safety, community concerns, and compassionate responses, while ensuring our actions remain within our legislated authority.”