In a statement, his ministry said it is working with other ministries “to provide outreach and to find safer, more suitable housing options and supports.”Ībbotsford’s mayor says the province is well aware of the community’s struggles. Our city bylaws don’t apply to that property,” Walker said.įor more than a week, CTV News tried to speak with Transportation Minister Rob Fleming, but were told he was unavailable. “This homeless camp here at Lonzo is on Ministry of Transportation lands. While officers continue to tackle criminal behavior in the encampment, both police and the municipal government lack the ability to shut the camp down. Police responded to close to 1,600 calls in the area in 2022. “You have people that are running their businesses, trying to provide, pay the bills…but then they’re getting victimized by people that are in this camp,” Walker said. Walker also said crime has been spilling into the surrounding community. “We’re having weapons such as knifes, axes, assault involving those things, firearms that are being taken out of here, both real and imitation, weapons of opportunity, bear spray,” said Walker. Over the years, officers have seized weapons of all sorts, which police say were sometimes brought by unwanted guests. Last year, Abbotsford Fire Rescue responded to 322 calls at the camp and police responded to 106 calls for violent crime in the area. Police say the Lonzo encampment has been growing-and so too have its problems. “I don’t see an end at this point,” he said. Paul Walker of the Abbotsford Police Department as he walked through the area. You have different pockets of people that might not get along with each other,” explained Sgt. The property is littered with bike parts, used needles and garbage.
On the other side of the site, there are tents and makeshift shelters, mostly tucked away from public view. after fleeing an abusive relationship in another province. The 26-year-old told CTV News she ended up living on the streets in B.C. I have a bunch of rats running around, no running water,” she said. On one side of the encampment, there are burned-out RVs and decrepit trailers, like the one a woman named Laura calls home.
Years after the site first sprang up, many wonder if what’s known as the Lonzo camp will ever be shut down. It’s the largest and most violent homeless camp in Abbotsford and a weekly source of complaints to police.
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