A man has died at an Abbotsford, B.C., homeless camp after what investigators say is believed to be a targeted shooting.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has now taken over the case and confirmed the victim was a 69-year-old resident of the camp.
Police said that officers were called on Monday at 11:11 p.m. to the Whatcom Road Park and Ride after reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from serious, life-threatening injuries and despite being rushed to the hospital, the man did not survive.
Sgt. Paul Walker with the Abbotsford Police Department said they have received 31 calls for service directly related to the homeless camp in the past year.
The City of Abbotsford told Global News that in 2025, Abbotsford Fire Rescue Services (AFRS) responded to 34 calls at the Whatcom Road encampment, compared to 28 calls in 2024 and 37 calls in 2023.
So far this year, AFRS has responded to seven calls at the Whatcom Road encampment.
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The land where the homeless camp is located belongs to the provincial government.
The city said it has also repeatedly raised concerns with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit about conditions at Whatcom and the need for timely, sustained action on provincially managed lands.
No one from the government made themselves available for an interview on Tuesday.
No arrests in the shooting have been made at this time.
IHIT says that the investigation is ongoing; however, the incident is not believed to be related to gang activity or extortion.
“The swift response from AbbyPD was integral in securing the crime scene,” Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT said in a statement. “Crime scenes such as this one can be complex due to the outdoor component and exposure to the elements. You can expect investigators in the area for some time, speaking with witnesses and searching the area.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the IHIT Infoline at 1-877-551-4448.
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