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Last week brought a series of serious public safety incidents to Abbotsford, and today's main story looks at what happened at the Whatcom Road Park and Ride encampment — including a homicide, a large fire, and an Emergency Response Team callout.

Separately, Abbotsford Police have issued a public safety notification about a man with prior sexual assault convictions who is being released from federal prison today and will be residing in the area — that notice is in the news summaries below.

– Emily

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Emergency responders were called to an Abbotsford encampment multiple times last week.

Last Monday night, a 69-year-old man was shot and killed at the Whatcom Road Park and Ride, an RV park and homeless encampment. Police say Wayne Versfelt was likely killed in an isolated, targeted incident.

While police investigated Versfelt’s murder later in the week, another emergency broke out. A large fire erupted Thursday morning, starting in one RV and quickly spreading to other structures. Police at the scene were able to evacuate everyone safely before fire crews arrived. 

But the fire wasn’t the reason for police presence that day.

Keep reading»

⚠️ Abbotsford police have issued a public safety notification for 46-year-old Stephen Bradley Ewing, who has prior convictions for sexual assault and is being released from federal prison on March 30 to reside in Abbotsford. [Abbotsford Police Department]

🏌️ Several intoxicated youths were arrested after driving onto the Falls Golf Club in Chilliwack late Monday, leaving Hole 16 covered in tire tracks and closed until further notice. [CTV News]

🚗 A 20-year-old Mission driver crashed into a power pole in the early hours of March 20 and fled and has since received tickets for failing to remain and for speeding. [Fraser Valley Today]

🎬 Hope Mountain Centre is hosting a Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival screening on April 10 at ALMSGIVING Hope Cinema, featuring short films on hiking, climbing, skiing, and more; tickets are $23. [The Hope Standard]

📚 Langley's Muriel Arnason Library is closing April 5 through May 18 for renovations following a February sewage backup. [Langley Advance Times]

🌱 A rezoning application for West Creek Farms, a soil products business that has operated on Langley agricultural land for more than 40 years, returned to a public hearing Monday and will go to council for consideration on April 13. [Today in BC]

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Watercolour Workshop at Sidekick Brewing: Join artist Courtney Kaayk for a beginner-friendly watercolour workshop at Sidekick Brewing in Chilliwack on March 31, exploring colour, texture, and technique in a relaxed, playful setting; tickets are $50 and all supplies are included.

Easter Floral Centrepiece Workshop: Learn to build a beautiful spring floral arrangement with designer Lexi Richards of Twiggage & Bloom at Everything Wine in Abbotsford on April 1, with curated wine and light bites included; tickets are $60 and pre-registration is required.

Easter Egg Hunt at Greendale Acres: The Easter fun continues at Greendale Acres April 2–5, with farm activities, festive treats, and face painting; online tickets are $3 less than at the door.

Amato Trattori, a new Italian eatery, has quietly opened in downtown Chilliwack in the newly restored 96-year-old Historic Skelton Building. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday. Have you been yet?

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