Restrict funding to BC Housing
Petitioners ask the federal government to restrict funding to BC Housing unless it selects an alternative site for supportive housing in Abbotsford. The government responds that housing is a shared jurisdiction and cannot direct provincial or municipal planning.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would withhold federal funds for the proposed Abbotsford site near a school, addressing petitioners' stated safety concerns about proximity and the planned supervised consumption room.
- It would pressure BC Housing to select a different site and could prompt greater public consultation and transparency about location choices.
- Using funding conditions can leverage change without the federal government directly managing provincial or municipal planning, potentially yielding a site more acceptable to the local community.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- The federal government does not control provincial or municipal planning, so restricting funds may be legally ineffective or outside federal authority.
- Withholding federal funds could delay or reduce supportive housing availability for vulnerable people, worsening homelessness or service gaps.
- Local remedies—provincial or municipal review, mitigation measures, or negotiated site changes—may address safety concerns without cutting federal funding and harming housing delivery.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WHEREAS BC Housing is planning a supportive housing project at 2270 Martens Street in Abbotsford, directly across from Abbotsford Traditional School grounds. The housing project will be in proximity to vulnerable students, children aged 11-18; less than 60 meters from field and playgrounds used by the children. The housing project contains a safe consumption room, increasing the risk to residents and vulnerable children in the area. There has been a lack of transparency, public input, considerations of alternate locations, or disclosure of plans by BC Housing. THEREFORE We, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to restrict funding to BC Housing unless an ideal, alternate location is selected for supportive housing in Abbotsford.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Signed by Jennifer McKelvie, M.P. The Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns regarding the Government of British Columbia’s plans to build temporary supportive modular housing at 2270 Martens Street in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The Government of Canada is focused on making housing more attainable and affordable and remains committed to working with provincial and territorial governments, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to implement long-term solutions to Canada’s housing and homelessness challenges. The federal government provides funding for programs and initiatives that promote diverse communities and support the creation of housing that is sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use, and located near transit, employment opportunities, and public services. Housing in Canada is a shared responsibility among federal, provincial and territorial, and municipal governments, with each level responsible for specific aspects of housing delivery. Provinces and territories are typically responsible for identifying local priorities, planning, and development, while municipalities generally handle zoning and permitting. The federal government does not have jurisdiction over provincial or municipal planning decisions or specific project developments. Accordingly, the issue identified falls outside the purview of the Government of Canada and under the jurisdiction of the province of British Columbia and the City of Abbotsford.