Province Shuts Down Abbotsford Rest Area, Leaving Homeless Displaced

UPDATE: The province has just shut down the Cole Road rest area in Abbotsford, affecting numerous individuals who have made this location their home. The abrupt closure has left many without basic services, escalating the crisis for the local homeless community.

The Cole Road rest area, located off Highway 1, was home to a significant number of RVs occupied by people who have lived there for years. Many residents received no prior notice about the shutdown. “They came in with no notice, no communication, nothing whatsoever,” lamented Mike Winbow, a long-term resident of the encampment. With the closure, authorities have turned off essential services, including restrooms and fresh water.

Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth stated that the decision was made due to ongoing complaints and safety concerns. “What’s been taking place has been unacceptable,” he said, highlighting that police have responded to the area 72 times just this year for various incidents, including fires and violent crimes.

Despite these claims, many advocates argue that the encampment is home to vulnerable individuals, including seniors and those with disabilities. “There’s been genuine people living here for years who are not drug addicts,” said Joseph Sekora from Ground Zero Ministries. He emphasized the needs of individuals like one resident with Multiple Sclerosis, who relies on the services that have now been cut.

Residents like Darren Heath expressed frustration over the closure, stating that crime has diminished in recent months. “Ever since the few people here doing it, they left, it’s been quiet. Peaceful,” he said, underscoring the lack of issues reported from the site.

At 70 years old, camper Karl Peters voiced his despair over the situation, calling the decision “despicable” and “unjust.” Many campers have no alternative housing options, and the city’s resources are limited. The City of Abbotsford revealed that there are currently 654 homeless individuals identified in the area, and with only 13 extreme-weather shelter beds available nightly for women, the gap in services is vast.

The city stated it had no clear timeline or communication regarding the closure from the province, expressing disappointment in the lack of notice given to those affected. “We support provincial and community best practices that give notice to all individuals,” the city said in a statement, emphasizing the need for compassion in such situations.

With many expressing feelings of abandonment, Winbow has no plans to leave the area, declaring the province’s actions “extremely cruel.” “There’s a lot of people in this situation who are vulnerable,” he shared, highlighting the urgent need for immediate support and alternative housing solutions.

As the situation develops, advocates and residents alike are calling for urgent action to provide resources and safe alternatives for those displaced by the closure. The community is left grappling with the immediate fallout of this drastic decision, raising significant concerns about the future of homeless individuals in Abbotsford.