We are just not building enough housing fast enough to support people,” he said, blaming years of underfunding by previous governments for the difficulties. “Not everybody that is an encampment, not everybody that is at a rest stop, is dealing with addictions or mental health,” said Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon. He said 408 units of supportive and affordable housing have been funded in Abbotsford, though it’s not clear when new units will open. Meanwhile, the housing minister said homelessness is a growing concern throughout North America. “Travellers can feel safe stopping at these rest areas, knowing maintenance staff are there regularly.” “The ministry’s maintenance contractors maintain provincial highway rest areas and monitor activity at the rest areas on a regular basis,” the statement said. The Transportation Ministry said in a statement that it’s aware of the illegal, long-term camping. But we’ll see what happens,” Young said.Ĭampers in the upper lot have formed a community of sorts, but some worry about their safety and stay away from the back part of the lot.Ībbotsford police said they do proactive patrols in the area and there has been some illegal activity uncovered, on occasion, in the back portion of the rest stop, including stolen vehicles. “All we can do is keep praying and hopefully we leave. “When I lost my job, we didn’t have enough money to pay the rent so they booted us out,” he said. Young’s wife works, though her hours are being cut back. He said many people here, including seniors and those with disabilities, have fallen on hard times. He’s been living in a trailer at the rest area for two years. And it’s sad they call us that,” said Brian Young. “We’ve had people call us ignorant, useless people. We’re not here because we want to cheat the system.” “We’re not just squatting because we want to. I never actually thought I’d ever be in a position like this in my whole life,” she said. They’ve been at the Bradner Rest Area since October. They recently took out a loan and with some help from family, bought a trailer. Last summer, they moved into a campervan. We just can’t afford it anymore,” she explained.Ĭhardelle said they had been living in a rental, but their debt kept growing and they had to make a change. “Rent, insurance for vehicles going up, food going up, fuel going up. “I can’t see us ever being able to afford a house, ever,” Chardelle said. It’s the same for her neighbours, including Chardelle, whose husband also has full-time employment and commutes to Vancouver. Sonya said her husband works full-time, but it’s not enough to make ends meet. I feel like the worst mom in the world,” she said, explaining that she wishes she could do more for her kids. She said her daughter was only 16 when they ended up without a place to live. She’s been living in a trailer with her husband and three grown children for a year-and-a-half, though she initially thought it would only be a few weeks. “I don’t want to be here,” said Sonya, who didn’t want to give her last name. But mostly, there’s RV’s and trailers that aren’t passing through, but are parked here long-term. Though signs indicate overnight camping is banned, there’s a makeshift shelter as well as people living in cars. “If I didn’t have to really go to the washroom, I would’ve kept driving,” he said, calling the situation “sad." “I have stopped in here numerous times in the last 20 years and it didn’t look anything like this,” said Darcy Simpson, who stopped at the Bradner Rest Area.
Weary travellers pulling into roadside rest stops in Abbotsford might be surprised to discover parking lots turned into makeshift trailer parks for those experiencing homelessness.
It’s probably not what you’d expect at a provincial rest area.
0 kommentar(er)
