A protest by residents of Gladys Road homeless encampment, and supported by Abbotsford Drug War Survivors, began in Babich Park in Abbotsford on Tuesday (June 25).
Abbotsford Drug War Survivors representatives have distributed a letter to the residents around Babich Park to urge them to sign their petition to the City of Abbotsford to designate undeveloped municipal land for their use.
In a press release on Thursday (June 27), Drug War Survivors program coordinator Brittany Maple said "The Abbotsford Drug War Survivors are supporting the residents of the Gladys Road encampment who have relocated to Babich Park to establish a protest camp. This action is a direct response to the City of Abbotsford's continued inaction concerning the urgent need for housing solutions for its displaced citizens."
Approximately seven tents and a trailer arrived from Gladys Road encampment on June 25.
Babich Park, located at 33407 Babich Pl., is across from Terry Fox Elementary School. The park has a soccer field and a baseball diamond that community members book to use.
The letter to nearby residents was distributed shortly after their arrival.
This letter was sent out to residents near Babich Park in #Abbotsford. The protest began on Tuesday (June 25). Article coming to the Abbotsford News. pic.twitter.com/vAqnQwAMH4
— Ryleigh Mulvihill (@RyleighKMulvy) June 27, 2024
In the letter to residents Maple says "We understand and share your desire to keep Babich Park a safe and enjoyable space for all residents. Therefore, we are requesting your support in signing a petition to the City of Abbotsford to designate undeveloped municipal land for us to move to. Our goal is to relocate out of Babich Park as soon as possible and to a location where we can legally and safely reside with the necessary facilities."
The City of Abbotsford told The Abbotsford News that they are aware of the group protesting and the letter that was handed out to residents.
The City said the campers at Babich Park were offered shelter space by BC Housing. The Abbotsford News also asked Maple why the residents did not accept the housing option they were offered, and she said the number of shelter beds offered did not meet the number of people being displaced.
Additionally, City bylaw officers advised the campers at the site of the City’s requirements under the parks bylaw related to temporary camping. That bylaw states that camping with a tent can take place in City parks from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. Bylaw officers have asked for the trailer to be removed from the field to a parking spot. The campers have not adhered to the bylaw, and the City can confirm they have not dismantled their site since they arrived.
The City said that they respect all Canadian’s right to protest under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and they will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with local service providers and BC Housing.
City staff have been working with community members who had field bookings at Babich Park to move their events to other locations throughout the city for the time being.
RELATED: 220 new shelter spaces announced for Abbotsford
Currently, around 52 individuals reside at the Gladys Road encampment. Abbotsford received funding from BC Housing in April for more than 220 new shelter spaces across the city to continue to address homelessness.
Since 2009, the main focus of the Abbotsford chapter of Drug War Survivors has been on improving the social and physical health of its members. The group creates conversation around drug use. At the time of its inception the group also identified the City of Abbotsford’s harm reduction definition bylaw as a detrimental public policy.
