Chilliwack/Surrey – On Sunday morning , Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove reacted to social media postings and a Global TV Interview from Former Surrey Mayor and MP Dianne Watts. Watts according to the Mayor made an uninformed comment that CFB Chilliwack could be used as a place to help quarantine vulnerable people from the DTES. Immediately after hearing her comment, I called Dianne to see what she was thinking and to let her know that the old base has been transformed into a vibrant community. She was unaware that the area is now home to the Canada Education Park and the popular neighbourhood of Garrison Crossing. Over the last 13 years we have worked hard through the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation to transform the old base into a world class education, training and research facility, featuring the University of the Fraser Valley, the RCMP Pacific Region Training Centre, the Justice Institute of British Columbia and Canada Border Services Agency. During our phone call she agreed to retract her statement and I am patiently waiting for her public response.
NOTE: CFB Chilliwack was decommissioned in 1995.
While I understand how important it is to protect our vulnerable and high risk population, this isn’t a situation that can be easily addressed by transporting large groups of people experiencing homelessness to a different community. BC Housing has repeatedly told us that people do best when they stay where they have supports already in place.
I have been working hard to ensure Chilliwack’s vulnerable community are protected during this health crisis. My staff have been speaking with BC Housing and Fraser Health in order to find a suitable self-isolation facility for members of our homeless population that are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.
I think we can all agree that it is of the utmost importance to make sure people experiencing homelessness have access to a safe space to ensure we stop the spread of COVID-19. I believe each community should work with BC Housing and their local health authority to find a solution that works best without displacing anyone into different communities.
Chilliwack-Kent MLA Laurie Throness posted to Facebook –
I was very surprised to hear the suggestion that the homeless of the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver be brought out to our Canada Education Park. The facility that was mentioned is now a training centre for RCMP and other First Responders, who we need more than ever.
This idea was not put forward by government, it was brought up by someone without knowledge of what the former CFB Chilliwack has become.
I will do all in my power, along with the Mayor and other community leaders, to oppose any similar suggestion.
Chilliwack MLA John Martin: Nice to see our Mayor put the kibosh to this non-starter so quickly and decisively. Well done Ken! Watt was she thinking?
