Abbotsford neighbours say they weren’t consulted in homeless shelter decision

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ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – News of a winter shelter opening in Abbotsford is upsetting neighbours who say they were never consulted.

The shelter is to be built on Riverside Road, with the city kicking in $750,000 for the 40-bed facility.

“They’re allowing us to go to a meeting on December the 14th, which is approximately one week before they open the facility,” explains Matt who lives nearby. “Basically they made up their mind without letting any of the local residents voice their opinions or even hearing our concerns, or having them share information about what they plan to do about our concerns.”

Matt says he went to the city to ask why there was a lack of consultation and he was told he’s not considered a “neighbour” so he would find out about these types of decisions through the media, which is exactly what happened.

Stephanie believes as a result of the nearby tent city, there’s already been an increase in crime and now she’s worried about it getting worse.

“I just think as a taxpayer who owns in the area, it definitely feels like we’ve been stabbed in the back a bit because we weren’t consulted with,” she explains. “We feel there [are] going to be more thefts in the area and honestly a lot of us are nervous for that.”

Both residents understand a shelter is needed but they’re questioning how the city has handled the issue.

The shelter is expected to be open from mid December to the end of April.

The City of Abbotsford has not gotten back to News1130 for comment on this.

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