Image: Dusty Smith / Volunteers are set to clean up multiple homeless encampments stationed along Silver Skagit Road south of Hope this week.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Homeless camps

Volunteers set to clean up homeless camps in Hope this week, with RCMP in attendance

Oct 7, 2024 | 9:56 AM

HOPE — The Chilliwack River Valley isn’t the only area in the Fraser Valley where unlawful homeless camps have been established at the detriment of the environment.

But thanks to dedicated residents who are tired of seeing the mess, volunteers are set to clean up multiple homeless encampments stationed along Silver Skagit Road south of Hope this week.

According to a social media post from Hope resident Dusty Smith, a multi-day cleanup of the homeless encampments along Skagit Road is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, October 8-9. Smith wrote in his detailed social media post that RCMP will be on site during the cleanup effort.

Smith says he plans to donate his mini excavator, loader, bobcat and tow truck in assisting with cleanup efforts, and has reached out to the Fraser Valley Regional District as well as the District of Hope to defray some of the costs associated with garbage disposal.

“My business will will cover some of the bin costs that will come from here, but estimated there is 15 to 20 40-yard bins worth of garbage between all the sites,” Smith estimated.

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Image: A homeless camp along Sliver Skagit Road south of Hope. / M. Vanden Bosch / Fraser Valley Today

Smith said he’s looking to enlist the help of volunteers to assist in getting the first camp cleaned up before tentatively scheduling a move to the next homeless camp. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves and rakes if they have them, along with high-visibility vests.

“I also am going to donate some blocks and rocks to close the areas off once we are cleaned at each area,” Smith said.

The cleanup effort is roughly scheduled for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Smith provided an update on social media Monday morning in which he asked people to meet at the wide pullout at the 2-km mark, where the pavement basically ends.

“Go over some safety items as well as plan,” Smith wrote on Facebook. “Cell service is hit or miss, so please pass this on to whom (sic) may be coming. If you can’t come till later that is fine; just be sure to check in. This road is active with work so we must be careful!”

Hope Pharmasave is providing gloves, masks and hand sanitizer. Khronos Security is pitching in with donated and cooked food for lunch, and there will be drinks available as well.

Smith plans to have garbage pickers and garbage bags for volunteers.

“The equipment will be working at getting all the trailers drug out and into the wide spot for the excavator to clean them off their frames,” Smith said.

Volunteers are welcome to call or text Dusty Smith directly at 604-869-6391.