Restrict BC Housing funding
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to withhold federal funding to BC Housing unless the proposed supportive housing and supervised consumption room at 2270 Martens Street in Abbotsford are relocated. The government responds that housing and site decisions are provincial and municipal responsibilities, so the matter lies with provincial and local authorities.
Why we would sign this petition
- Would move the supervised consumption room and supportive housing away from the school, addressing petitioners' safety concerns for children and nearby residents.
- Makes federal funding conditional, creating leverage for BC Housing to offer clearer site selection, public consultation, and alternative locations.
- Prioritizes local residents' concerns and may increase transparency and public input on future supportive housing siting.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- The federal government lacks authority over provincial and municipal planning, so withholding funds may not change the site's approval or outcome.
- Conditioning federal funds could delay or reduce support for vulnerable people who need housing and related services.
- Working directly with provincial and municipal governments or local processes may be more effective at resolving siting and safety concerns than federal funding restrictions.
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 is outside the purview of the Government of Canada and falls under the jurisdiction of the province of British Columbia and the City of Abbotsford.