Homelessness is a pervasive issue in British Columbia, with an estimated 11,896 people without shelter throughout the province each month. Among the many challenges this presents is the management of Crown land, where unauthorized squatting and squalor have become increasingly visible problems. Local governments, residents, and community organizations continue to grapple with the complexities of addressing these issues, but the current framework of provincial laws and responsibilities has left municipalities powerless to take meaningful action.
The Challenges of Squatting on Crown Land
A prominent example of the challenges associated with squatting is the City of Abbotsford. Abbotsford, like other municipalities, lacks statutory authority to address squatters on provincial Crown land. Enforcement and cleanup fall under the jurisdiction of Natural Resource Officers (NROs) and, indirectly, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR). However, provincial resources for enforcement and cleanup are severely limited.
Provincial rules now allow public spaces, including parks, to be used for temporary overnight shelter, and regulations are trending toward recognizing a broader “right to camp” unless specific alternatives are provided. This legislative shift leaves Crown lands vulnerable to occupation without adequate provincial oversight or support.
A glaring example is the site adjacent to Whatcom Road in Abbotsford (pictured). Despite the squalor and health risks, there is no provincial budget allocated for cleanup, leaving residents frustrated and local authorities at a standstill.
Lessons from the Chilliwack River Valley
The Chilliwack River Valley provides an example of how Crown land issues can persist even with dedicated resources. A $200,000 provincial fund was established in 2023 to address abandoned encampments, yet as of July 2024, only $16,430 had been spent. Volunteer groups, not provincial authorities, shouldered much of the cleanup effort, including removing over 17,000 pounds of garbage.
Despite the creation of a task force and available funds, there are still 20 occupied sites with unauthorized RVs, tents, and vehicles beyond the 14-day camping limit. This underscores the ineffectiveness of current provincial strategies and the need for a more coordinated approach.
Potential Solutions and Action Steps
Addressing the challenges of squatting and squalor on Crown land in B.C. requires an approach that cuts through bureaucratic red tape and focuses on collaboration and accountability. One potential solution for the City of Abbotsford issue is to petition the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) to allocate a portion of the unspent $183,570 from the provincial abandoned-camp cleanup fund. These funds could support cleanup efforts, including refuse removal and associated costs, while engaging local volunteer groups already active in such initiatives.
The City of Abbotsford could also advocate for adopting a proven collaboration model, like the one used for the Lonzo Road shelter. This partnership between BC Housing and the City transformed Crown land into a 50-bed shelter, replacing an older facility and paving the way for 61 permanent supportive homes. A similar approach could relocate homeless individuals from Crown land to appropriate shelters, addressing immediate needs while respecting their dignity.
Residents and stakeholders concerned about specific sites can take action by filing formal complaints with the Ministry of Forests’ Compliance and Enforcement Branch. The established Natural Resource Violation reporting system provides a clear pathway for public involvement.
Beyond immediate actions, long-term strategies are essential. An audit by the B.C. Auditor General to assess the province’s management of Crown lands would help ensure accountability and improved oversight policies. A similar audit report was issued in October 2024 by the Office of the Auditor General in Newfoundland and Labrador relating to the effective management and administration of Crown lands. Combining these measures with compassionate, housing-first solutions can address homelessness while preserving the integrity of Crown lands.
A Call for Leadership and Accountability
The homeless crisis and the mismanagement of Crown lands are symptoms of broader systemic issues. A lack of funding, fragmented responsibilities, and a failure to prioritize long-term solutions have left communities in a state of limbo.
Residents of Abbotsford and other affected municipalities deserve a livable environment where local and provincial authorities work together to uphold public safety and dignity. This requires elected officials to prioritize the well-being of all citizens—housed and unhoused alike—through coordinated action, adequate funding, and compassionate policy.
Polite Canada calls on the Province of British Columbia to take immediate and sustained action. Homelessness, squatting, and squalor are not insurmountable challenges, but they demand leadership, resources, and a commitment to accountability. Let us work together to ensure that Crown lands are managed responsibly, and all residents, regardless of circumstance, are treated with care and respect.
We deserve better.
Relevant Representative Contact Information:
Premier of B.C. – Honourable David Eby
Victoria – Office: (250) 387-1715
Email: premier@gov.bc.ca
B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction – Honourable Sheila Malcolmson
Victoria – Office: (250) 356-7750
Email: SPDR.Minister@gov.bc.ca
Mayor, City of Abbotsford – Mayor Ross Siemens
Office: (604) 864-5500
Email: mayorsiemens@abbotsford.ca
If you are a resident of British Columbia and want to make your voice heard, contact your local representative or file a complaint with the Ministry of Forests’ Compliance and Enforcement Branch.
