City of Abbotsford - The Hub Of The Fraser Valley

08/29/2026

We're developing a City-wide Off-Road Trail Strategy, and we want to hear from you!

From now until September 30, we are asking our community to:
🗺️ Explore the interactive trail map and share your
💬 Ask questions
📍 Meet us at an open house event

Your input will help create a shared vision for a more connected, accessible, sustainable off-road trail system that reflects the needs of our growing community.

Visit letstalkabbotsford.ca/city-wide-off-road-trail-strategy and share your thoughts!

08/28/2026

Reminder that on September 6, rolling road closures will be in effect during the Nagar Kirtan procession from 9 am to 5 pm.

Most locations along the route will experience closures of up to 2 hours as the procession passes. Please note that longer closures are expected near the Sikh Temple on Blueridge Drive.

If you're travelling in the area:
🚗 Follow posted signs and directions from traffic control personnel.
🚌 BC Transit service will be temporarily rerouted. View route changes at www.bctransit.com/central-fraser-valley.
🚫 Please do not park in designated no-parking zones, on sidewalks, boulevards, cul-de-sacs, in front of or within 1.5 m of driveways, within 5 m of fire hydrants, or anywhere prohibited under the City's Street and Traffic Bylaw.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this annual procession takes place.

08/28/2026

Before you vote in this fall’s municipal election, it’s important to brush up on the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government.

This year’s municipal election is fast approaching, and voters will soon learn the names of all candidates running to become City Councillors, School Trustees, and the Mayor.

The nomination period runs from Sept. 1 to 11 — that’s the window for candidates to submit the required paperwork to make their candidacies official. The campaign period then begins on Sept. 19, with the election being held on Oct. 17.

City Councils and School Boards have a lot of responsibilities. Now that Abbotsford voters will be selecting new elected officials, it’s the perfect time for a reminder of the roles of different levels of government.

At the city level, we take care of most of the basic services that you rely on every day. This includes the police and fire departments, plus infrastructure like water, roads, sewers and drainage. We also handle business licenses, permits, bylaws, parks, cemeteries, solid waste collection, snow removal, and we set the municipal property tax rate. We’re unique in that we also have our own City-owned and operated Abbotsford International Airport. Areas like solid waste management, air quality, animal control and regional and rural transit are the responsibility of the Fraser Valley Regional District.

The Abbotsford Board of Education, on the other hand, is focused on things like school staffing and budgets, catchment areas, busing and the management and operation of schools and facilities. The school curriculum, however, is set out by the provincial government.

And speaking of the Province, they’re the ones responsible for big items like provincial court, healthcare (including mental health and addiction), housing (including social and supportive housing), and highways (including those within municipal boundaries). Some major provincial agencies include ICBC and BC Assessment, which determines the value of your home. They also cover wildlife and conservation, agricultural land regulations, provincial parks and child protection. The Province also sets out the provincial income tax, property tax, purchase taxes and sales tax.

At the highest level we have the federal government. They handle immigration, international relations, the RCMP, the military, banking and interest rates, fisheries, employment insurance, the Canada Pension Plan and First Nations title and land issues, to name a few things. They also set the federal income tax and federal fuel taxes.

We hope this refresher on government roles helps you make an informed decision as you mark your ballot or if you choose to run for City Council or the School Board.

For more information about the upcoming election, including how to vote, how to run, and how to get involved, visit www.abbotsford.ca/elections.

Abbotsford City Council

For more Council Blog posts, visit www.abbotsford.ca/council/council-blogs
Subscribe: www.abbotsford.ca/city-hall/contact-us/subscribe-updates

08/27/2026

From homes and farms to businesses and empty fields, filmmakers are looking for unique locations right here in Abbotsford.

Register your property with Creative BC's locations library, it's free and could lead to exciting filming opportunities.

Learn more at www.abbotsford.ca/filming.

08/27/2026

Whether you're exploring trails, supporting local restaurants or spending time at community events, there's always something to enjoy right here in Abbotsford.

Discover more at: www.abbotsford.ca/discover

08/27/2026

Explore the free Strata Energy Advisor program from ZEIC designed to support multi-unit residential buildings to plan energy efficiency and decarbonization upgrades.

Delivered in partnership with the Condominium Homeowners Association of BC, the program provides access to a dedicated energy advisor who can help your strata identify retrofit opportunities, prioritize next steps, and develop a clear plan forward.

Learn more at www.abbotsford.ca/climate-change (under the “Climate and Energy Programs and Guides” accordion).

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

Rediscover the businesses that make Abbotsford a great place to live, work and play.

Did you know one of Canada’s innovative plant-based and better-for-you bakery brands have their roots right here in Abbotsford?

Headquartered in Abbotsford, Silver Hills is home to a family of innovative bakery brands, creating products that are now enjoyed by people across North America:

From sprouted grains to gluten-free and plant-based products, these Abbotsford-rooted brands are reaching tables across Canada and the United States, with products found at retailers including Costco, Loblaws, Sobeys and Save-On-Foods, along with natural and specialty food stores.

And their impact doesn’t stop at the grocery aisle. 👏

Silver Hills supports nearly 550 local jobs, creating diverse career opportunities across production, operations, corporate, retail and specialized roles.

They’re also committed to giving back, making weekly donations to local organizations including Abbotsford SDA Church, More Than a Roof and Peardonville House, while supporting charitable organizations and churches throughout the Fraser Valley.

From innovative food production to local jobs, community connection and giving back, businesses like Silver Hills showcase what makes Abbotsford a great place to grow roots.

✨ Discover Abbotsford. Learn more at www.abbotsford.ca/discover.

Are you a local business with a story to share? Let us know: www.abbotsford.ca/business-retention-and-expansion.

08/26/2026

Recycling reminder ♻️ Not all plastic is accepted for recycling in BC.

To reduce contamination and make sure your plastic items get a second life, place only accepted plastic packaging in your blue cart. Other plastic can be donated, returned or reused at home.

Donate these common plastic items to secondhand stores:
• Toys & decorations
• Laundry baskets
• Reusable bottles
• Tupperware & Rubbermaid containers

Easily learn which types of plastic are accepted by using our Waste Wizard at www.abbotsford.ca/wastewizard.

08/25/2026

Following the Agricultural Land Commission's (ALC) August 20, 2026, decision to deny the City's application to utilize lands at King and McKenzie Roads to support a future sports and recreation park, Council has directed staff to review options and bring forward recommendations for next steps.

"Our community continues to experience significant growth, and with that growth comes an increasing need for recreation, sports, and park amenities," said Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens. "While we are disappointed with the ALC's decision, it does not change the City of Abbotsford's commitment to investing in opportunities that support active, healthy communities. The need remains, and we will continue exploring options to help address it.”

The City submitted an exclusion application in April 2025 as part of its long-term vision to create additional recreation and sports facilities for residents and community sports groups. The proposal aimed to support Council's broader community-building objectives, including the Sport Field and Sport Court Strategy, the Arena Services and Facilities Strategy, and the Aquatics Services and Facilities Strategy. Council identified the King Road property as a potential future site for sports and recreation amenities due to growing demand for recreational infrastructure across the community and proposed a land-swap with non-ALC properties along LeFeuvre Road to the ALC.

"Given the significant and growing need for additional sports, recreation, and park amenities in Abbotsford, Council has asked staff to carefully consider our options and bring back opportunities for Council to consider in the coming weeks," said Siemens. "Council remains committed to planning for the long-term health, wellness, and quality of life of Abbotsford residents, and we will continue pursuing opportunities to meet the community's recreation needs."

Residents can learn more about the City's recreation planning initiatives at LetsTalkAbbotsford.ca.

News Release: www.abbotsford.ca/city-hall/news-media/council-disappointed-alc-decision-considering-options