Richmond homeless camps near Highway 99 raise safety concerns over jet fuel pipeline

Homeless encampments located along both sides of Highway 99 in Richmond are raising public safety concerns, with one of the sites situated directly above a newly installed jet fuel pipeline.

According to Richmond City Councillor Kash Heed, multiple fires have been reported at the encampments, increasing concerns about the potential risk of an explosion. Heed also said dozens of edged weapons, including swords and machetes, have been seized from the camps over the past year.

The councillor said the land is under the jurisdiction of the British Columbia government and alleged the province has not provided sufficient assistance to remove the encampments. Connect Newsroom has contacted the B.C. government for comment. No response was received by publication time.

City officials say some people living at the site were offered modular housing but chose to remain in the encampment, where they can live without paying rent. More than 30 campers and trailers are currently located at the site, and the City of Richmond estimates it would cost more than $200,000 to fully clear the area.