Abbotsford RV Camp Cleared by Province in B.C.

The Abbotsford RV camp, located at the Cole Road rest stop off Highway 1 in British Columbia, has been officially cleared by the provincial authorities. This action marks the end of a longstanding encampment that has housed numerous residents in recreational vehicles (RVs) over recent years.

Provincial Action and Encampment Background

The Ministry of Housing has mandated that all individuals sheltering at the site vacate the premises. A spokesperson confirmed that provincial contractors installed yellow fencing around the area recently, indicating a serious cleanup effort.

• Utilities at the site, including washrooms and power, were shut down in November 2025 due to vandalism and safety concerns.
• The cleanup process is expected to conclude by the end of April.

Prior to the clearing, the number of residents at the camp varied significantly. In early March 2026, 30 people were recorded at the site, but the count dwindled to just two individuals remaining by April 2026.

Residents’ Experiences and Perspectives

Among the last residents, Preston Mitchell shared his plans to relocate to Alberta after living at the encampment for ten months. He voiced his distress over the eviction process, stating, “I’m feeling beat, stomped, and in a lot of pain.”

• Mitchell lived at the rest stop with his three chihuahuas.
• He called for more temporary housing options for individuals living in RVs, suggesting that available Crown land could provide alternative shelter.

Outreach and Support Efforts

The housing ministry reported that outreach teams connected with 30 people residing at the site in the month preceding the clearance. Of these, 20 individuals managed to reconnect with family, find private rentals, or move into shelter and supportive housing.

Public Safety and Police Involvement

Abbotsford police maintained a presence at the site in a peacekeeping capacity during the clearance. While they did not conduct interviews, Sgt. Paul Walker confirmed that there were multiple public safety incidents at the encampment. Data showed:

The highest population at the Cole Road rest stop reached 57 residents in April 2025, illustrating the fluctuating nature of the encampment’s occupancy over time.

As the province clears the Abbotsford RV camp, discussions about future solutions for individuals living in RVs continue to gain importance.