Urgent Concern Over Proposed Housing Near Abbotsford School

UPDATE: A proposed supportive housing project in Abbotsford has ignited immediate community backlash, with parents and local business owners expressing serious concerns about the location directly across from a school. The B.C. government aims to address the city’s escalating homelessness crisis by establishing a 42-unit temporary modular housing project at 2270 Martens St., but the site’s proximity to Abbotsford Traditional School has raised alarms.

Community leaders are voicing urgent objections. Rani Prakash, president of the school’s Parent Advisory Council, stated, “This location is not appropriate for this because this is exposing our kids to unknown dangers.” The project, managed by the nonprofit Connective, would provide 24-hour staffing and support services, yet uncertainty remains about the presence of safe consumption facilities, heightening fears among residents.

Parents and local business owners are particularly worried about the safety risks to children. “Our kids are running around here. We don’t want them exposed to second-hand fentanyl, smoking, or any fire dangers,” Prakash added. Nearby auto shop owner Rick Francoeur echoed these sentiments, saying, “Doesn’t make any sense to me why this is close to a school.”

BC Housing emphasized the urgency of the project, citing that the latest Point-in-Time Count identified 654 people experiencing homelessness in Abbotsford. “If approved, the building would be temporary while permanent supportive homes are developed,” the agency stated. The province has also noted a significant reduction in available shelter beds, as the Lonzo shelter, which offered 50 spaces, is scheduled to close on October 31, 2025, complicating the local situation.

The government justified the location choice, explaining that the land is owned by the BC Transportation Financing Authority and is available for use. “It represents an opportunity to create additional housing in Abbotsford,” they noted in a statement.

In response to the proposal, Prakash has launched a petition opposing the location, which has already garnered over 1,000 signatures. She is joined by Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman, who criticized the government for a lack of community consultation. “Absolutely the wrong location,” Banman stated, calling for more transparency in the decision-making process.

Prakash urged, “You need to find us a more suitable location. And you need to stop with the band-aid solution and help these vulnerable people with a more permanent one.”

As tensions rise, the Abbotsford City Council is set to review the proposal early in the new year. Meanwhile, Mayor Ross Siemens has refrained from commenting until further discussions take place.

The community is urged to stay informed as this situation develops, with significant implications for both local families and those experiencing homelessness in Abbotsford. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, and residents are encouraged to voice their concerns as the city navigates these critical housing needs.