Editor:
I have long taken pride in our city, enjoying my morning walks and admiring the beauty of Abbotsford. However, a disturbing and worsening issue is souring that experience – illegal dumping and garbage accumulation throughout our streets and pathways.
It is disheartening that Abbotsford, the first “named” (alphabetically) city in Canada, renowned for its agricultural heritage, the Raspberry Capital title, and the world-class Abbotsford International Airshow, is starting to resemble a garbage dump. Entire streets are lined with waste, and scattered dumping sites are becoming more prevalent across town.
The extent of the problem goes far beyond the discarded coffee cups or fast-food containers of local eateries – there are full 75-litre household garbage bags rotting in the open. The worst I have encountered was a shocking 20 pounds of decomposing meat abandoned in a catwalk, surrounded by eight more garbage bags.
This is not just about an aesthetic issue; this is a health hazard, a vermin's smorgasbord, an open invitation for rats and other vermin to thrive, creating an epidemic of its own.
I have reported incidences multiple times, as have concerned neighbours. While the city does eventually respond, the delay means the damage is already done – both to our city’s image and to the well-being of our community. Tourists and residents alike cannot help but notice, and if this problem persists, Abbotsford risks tarnishing its reputation. If this trend continues, we may one day be known not for our airshow or agriculture, but for being the "Garbage Capital of the World."
I thought I would ask the city to consider a few immediate and decisive suggestions to address this ongoing issue:
• Increased enforcement and monitoring of known dumping areas to prevent repeat offences.
• A faster and more proactive response to reported garbage sites before they attract rodents and create a larger public health issue.
• Stronger penalties and deterrents for illegal dumping to hold offenders accountable.
• Community engagement and education to ensure citizens know how to report and prevent illegal dumping effectively.
If the city does not take greater responsibility (in a timely manner) for maintaining the cleanliness of our community, then residents will be left with little choice but to take action.
Photos of the garbage sites will be encouraged to be documented and shared widely on social media. Calls and reports to bylaw services will only increase. The more voices demanding action, the harder it will be to ignore.
Abbotsford is our home. It is a city with a reputation to uphold. I urge all those who care (specifically the city) to take pride in Abbotsford and ensure that our streets reflect the beauty and character of the community.
Michael Martin
