Restrict funding for BC Housing
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to withhold federal funding from BC Housing unless a different suitable location is chosen for the proposed supportive housing at 2270 Martens Street, Abbotsford. The government responds that siting decisions are provincial and municipal matters and the federal government lacks jurisdiction to block local projects.
Why we would sign this petition
- Petitioners note the project is under 60 metres from school fields and playgrounds and argue withholding funds would prevent close proximity to vulnerable students.
- They point out the project includes a safe consumption room and say restricting funding would avoid placing such a facility near children.
- They cite lack of transparency and public input and argue funding should be withheld until an acceptable alternate location is chosen.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Withholding federal funds could reduce resources for supportive housing that address homelessness and local housing needs in Abbotsford.
- The government states siting and planning are provincial/municipal responsibilities, so cutting federal funds may not change the provincial decision or exceed federal authority.
- Negotiating relocation or increasing local consultation could address siting concerns without halting funding and delaying supportive 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 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.