'I don't see an end at this point': The struggle to shut down a violent homeless camp in Abbotsford
It’s the largest and most violent homeless camp in Abbotsford and a weekly source of complaints to police.
Years after the site first sprang up, many wonder if what’s known as the Lonzo camp will ever be shut down.
On one side of the encampment, there are burned-out RVs and decrepit trailers, like the one a woman named Laura calls home.
“It’s worn down. I have a bunch of rats running around, no running water,” she said.
The 26-year-old told CTV News she ended up living on the streets in B.C. after fleeing an abusive relationship in another province.
On the other side of the site, there are tents and makeshift shelters, mostly tucked away from public view.
The property is littered with bike parts, used needles and garbage.
“You have lots of garbage here. You have rotting food. You have different pockets of people that might not get along with each other,” explained Sgt. Paul Walker of the Abbotsford Police Department as he walked through the area.
“I don’t see an end at this point,” he said.
Police say the Lonzo encampment has been growing—and so too have its problems.
Last year, Abbotsford Fire Rescue responded to 322 calls at the camp and police responded to 106 calls for violent crime in the area.
Over the years, officers have seized weapons of all sorts, which police say were sometimes brought by unwanted guests.
“We’re having weapons such as knifes, axes, assault involving those things, firearms that are being taken out of here, both real and imitation, weapons of opportunity, bear spray,” said Walker.
Walker also said crime has been spilling into the surrounding community.
“You have people that are running their businesses, trying to provide, pay the bills…but then they’re getting victimized by people that are in this camp,” Walker said.
Police responded to close to 1,600 calls in the area in 2022.
While officers continue to tackle criminal behavior in the encampment, both police and the municipal government lack the ability to shut the camp down.
“This homeless camp here at Lonzo is on Ministry of Transportation lands. Our city bylaws don’t apply to that property,” Walker said.
For more than a week, CTV News tried to speak with Transportation Minister Rob Fleming, but were told he was unavailable.
In a statement, his ministry said it is working with other ministries “to provide outreach and to find safer, more suitable housing options and supports.”
Abbotsford’s mayor says the province is well aware of the community’s struggles.
“We’re aggressively pursuing some alternative housing options and looking at how we clean that up,” said Ross Siemens.
B.C.’s housing minister said he has visited the Lonzo encampment and ensured help is on the way.
Ravi Kahlon said 408 units of affordable housing are under development in Abbotsford, though it’s not clear when they will open.
“We know that area, especially around Lonzo, needs to be cleaned up. We’ve been working closely with mayor and council to find a solution for housing for those that need it, and working on ways to get rid of the criminal element that seems to be plaguing that area as well,” Kahlon said.
Some campers at Lonzo have previously been moved into housing, according to Kahlon, decreasing the number of people currently living in the camp.
But Laura said while she’d much rather be in housing, it hasn’t been an option.
“I’ve been on a list for three years now and I haven’t been offered housing once,” she said.
She isn’t sure what scares her most, battling a drug addiction, or living in a place like Lonzo.
“I came to the realization that it’s either you keep doing the drugs and it will kill you, or you’re going to be here and something bad’s going to happen and that will kill you,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.