Editor,
The forests of the Fraser Valley have long been a symbol of British Columbia’s natural beauty, drawing hikers, families, and tourists from across the province and beyond. But today, those same forests are being systematically destroyed — and those tasked with protecting them are nowhere to be found.
Encampments built by homeless individuals have begun to sprawl through our public lands, including protected forest and Crown land. Structures — some as tall as three stories — are being constructed from cut trees, tarps, and scrap materials, turning pristine wilderness into unsafe, polluted zones. Fires, trash, human waste, and aggressive animals are increasingly common. Hiking trails are being abandoned by locals and visitors alike due to safety concerns.
This is not a matter of compassion versus cruelty. It’s about balance — and right now, there is none.
We fully acknowledge the complexity of homelessness and support humane, long-term solutions. But many of these individuals have made it clear they do not want traditional housing. Instead, they are creating de facto settlements in the woods, in violation of environmental protections, public safety regulations, and community rights. In some cases, these groups are stealing from nearby homes, intimidating residents, and keeping aggressive dogs to ward off any interference.
Despite this, local authorities have done nothing. Animal control, forestry departments, and even emergency services have withdrawn from these areas. Firefighters won’t enter without police presence, and the RCMP has yet to assert consistent jurisdiction. Our tax dollars fund these services — and yet they are failing the people and the land they are meant to serve.
Most concerning is the environmental impact. Trees, some centuries old, are being felled. Waterways are being contaminated. Wildlife is being driven away. If this happened under the banner of industrial development, there would be immediate outcry. But under the veil of "rights," we are allowing irreparable damage to occur unchecked.
This cannot continue.
We are calling for a coordinated, immediate response from all levels of government and all relevant agencies. This includes enforcement of environmental laws, protection of public land, and real — not theoretical — plans to support those in need while protecting our forests, our safety, and our way of life.
Compassion should not come at the cost of environmental collapse and public endangerment. We must do better—for everyone involved.
Sincerely,
Concerned residents of the Chilliwack River Valley
