Your kids' schools are on fire
Good morning from the Valley — the fields are talking, the rivers are moving, and we've got stories from five communities that matter. And out here in Abbotsford, we've got something that just feels… unsettling. Imagine sending your kids off to school, maybe waving goodbye as they walk past the berry fields, and then hearing that same school, the very building where they learn and play, has been targeted by arsonists. This isn't just mischief; it's a direct hit on the heart of our community.
This week, Abbotsford police are digging into three separate reports of arson at two local schools. We're talking about places like Abbotsford Senior Secondary and Rick Hansen Secondary, pillars in their neighbourhoods. This isn't some random act of vandalism that you see in a back alley; someone is deliberately trying to set these schools ablaze. It makes you wonder, *ki gal ho gai* — what's going on that would lead to such a thing? These aren't just buildings; they're where our kids spend their days, where friendships are made, and futures are shaped.
### Why This Hits Home
* **Community Core:** Schools are anchors, especially in places like South Abbotsford or the areas around Sumas Way. They're gathering spots, places for sports, for *path* (lessons) and community events. * **Safety Concerns:** It puts parents on edge. If schools aren't safe, what is? * **Resources Diverted:** Every dollar spent on repairs and investigation is a dollar not going to education or other vital community services.
This isn't just about property damage; it's about the feeling of security in our own backyard. For families out here in the Valley, who already have enough to worry about with rising costs and the lingering memories of the floods, this kind of news just adds another layer of anxiety. We need to get to the bottom of this, not just for the sake of the buildings, but for the peace of mind of every family in Abbotsford.
Harpreet Gill-Thiessen, MiTL Sports Desk, Abbotsford.
My folks on the morning show are definitely going to be talking about this. You can catch their take every weekday at mornings.live.