Restrict BC Housing funding
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to restrict federal funding to BC Housing unless it selects an alternate location for the planned supportive housing at 2270 Martens Street, Abbotsford. The government responds that housing is a shared responsibility and that provincial and municipal authorities have jurisdiction over this project.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would move the planned supportive housing away from a school playground, addressing petitioners’ concern about children’s proximity to a site with a consumption room.
- Conditioning federal funds pressures BC Housing to consider alternate locations and increases the likelihood of meaningful public consultation and transparency.
- It prioritizes local community safety concerns by tying funding to demonstrated site suitability rather than proceeding without local agreement.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- The federal government may lack legal authority to dictate provincial or municipal planning decisions, making the restriction ineffective or contested.
- Withholding funding could delay or reduce the project's delivery and access to supportive services for vulnerable people.
- Local planning tools, site mitigation, or negotiated location changes may better balance community safety and housing needs without cutting federal funding.
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.