YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Government action needed at Lonzo Park
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Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. Unfortunately, for so many British Columbians right now, that is not the reality. We have watched over the last few years as a growing mental health and addictions crisis has gone largely unaddressed in our province, crime has worsened on our streets, and housing has become so unaffordable that an increasing number of people simply cannot afford a safe place to live.
The intersection of these serious issues can be clearly seen in the rise of homeless encampments in communities across our province. From the Downtown Eastside to Williams Lake, to right here in the Fraser Valley in places like Lonzo Park, this seeming explosion of homeless encampments is a clear symptom of government’s failure to address systemic challenges.
Recently, our BC United Caucus obtained documents that show Premier David Eby was formally warned about the serious health and safety concerns at Abbotsford’s Lonzo Park and Ride lot encampment years ago. However, it’s clear that rather than acting on this information, Eby ignored and buried the briefing note while he was Minister Responsible for Housing.
The documents outline the risks posed by the Lonzo Road Park homeless encampment, including explosions that have led to highway closures, burned-out vehicles, criminal activity including a homicide, and more than 100 people living at the site in unsafe conditions.
