City of Abbotsford - The Hub Of The Fraser Valley

10/20/2026

The City of Abbotsford is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Neill as City Manager, effective October 21, 2026. Neill replaces outgoing City Manager, Peter Sparanese, who announced his retirement in July of this year.

"On behalf of Council, I am pleased to welcome Mark Neill as Abbotsford's new City Manager,” said Abbotsford Mayor, Ross Siemens. “Mark is a respected and collaborative leader who has served our community with integrity, professionalism and a strong commitment to excellence.”

Neill brings more than 25 years of municipal planning and leadership experience to the role, including extensive experience working with local governments throughout the Fraser Valley. He has served as the City of Abbotsford's General Manager of Planning & Development Services since 2019 and previously held the position of Director of Community Planning. Prior to joining the City of Abbotsford, Mark held senior planning roles with the Township of Langley. He holds a Master of Urban and Rural Planning degree from Dalhousie University and is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP).

Throughout his career in Abbotsford, Neill has played a key role in shaping the community's long-term growth, leading major planning initiatives and supporting Council's vision for a vibrant, sustainable and resilient community.

“Mark’s extensive municipal experience, strategic perspective, and deep understanding of our organization position him well to lead the City as we enter this next chapter,” said Siemens. “As Council begins a new term and works together to establish our Strategic Plan and priorities for the years ahead, we are confident that Mark will provide the leadership, advice and organizational stewardship needed to help Council achieve its vision for Abbotsford's future."

As City Manager, Neill will be responsible for leading the City's administration, implementing Council's strategic direction, overseeing municipal operations, and supporting the delivery of services to Abbotsford residents and businesses.

"I am grateful for the confidence that Council has placed in me and excited for the opportunity to serve as City Manager,” said Neill. “Abbotsford is an exceptional community with dedicated employees, engaged residents and tremendous opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with City Council, staff, community partners and residents to continue delivering high-quality services and advancing the priorities that matter most to our community."

Read the full news release: www.abbotsford.ca/city-hall/news-media/city-council-appoints-mark-neill-city-manager

10/20/2026

While fireworks may seem like a fun way to celebrate, they pose serious risks to people, pets, property, and first responders.

Remember: Fireworks are prohibited within Abbotsford city limits. Selling, possessing, or using fireworks is illegal and may result in fines of up to $50,000 and confiscation of fireworks.

If you see fireworks being sold or used, report it:
• Bylaw Services: 604-864-5512
• AbbyPD: 604-859-5225
• Online: abbotsford.ca/bylaw-service-request or report through the app (abbotsford.ca/apps)

Together, we can help keep Abbotsford safe.

10/19/2026

Head’s up that starting tonight, there will be overnight ramp closures at McCallum Road and Clearbrook Road to allow crews to safely pave the ramps.

⚠️Highway 1 McCallum Road: Eastbound on- and off-ramps closed October 19 and October 21 overnight at 9:00pm to 5:30am the following morning.
Drivers will be detoured via Clearbrook Road or Sumas Way.

⚠️ Highway 1 Clearbrook Road: Westbound on- and off-ramps closed October 20 from 9:00pm to 5:30am the following morning.
Drivers will be detoured via McCallum Road or Sumas Way.

Drivers are reminded to slow down, allow extra travel time, follow posted detour signage, and watch for roadside workers. Additional lane closures and traffic pattern changes may occur as construction progresses.

Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and field conditions.

For all updates on this project, please visit the Province’s website at gov.bc.ca/fraser-valley-highway1.

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

Abbotsford City Council is pleased to recognize the outstanding advocacy, collaboration, care and compassion of two invaluable community stalwarts by awarding Dr. Marion Keys with the 2026 Order of Abbotsford, and Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society with Abbotsford’s 2026 Community Champion Achievement Award.

“City Council is proud to recognize Dr. Marion Keys and the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society with this year’s Civic Awards,” said Councillor Dave Loewen. “Their contributions reflect the very best of Abbotsford, from Marion’s longstanding commitment to civic leadership and community building to the Society’s extraordinary dedication to supporting individuals and families with compassion, dignity and care during life’s most difficult moments.”

The Order of Abbotsford is bestowed upon individuals who have brought distinction to themselves or the City through outstanding achievements or who have demonstrated a particularly high level of contribution to the City over their lifetime. Recipients of the Order of Abbotsford receive a shadowboxed award, along with the Order of Abbotsford pin. Their name is also placed in a commemorative book.

The Community Champion Achievement Award is given to an Abbotsford individual, group, or organization who has achieved National or International recognition in a variety of areas, including, but not limited to: academia, sports, arts, and culture; or performed a noteworthy deed which is considered of benefit to the community. Recipients of the Community Champion Achievement Award have their names engraved on a paving stone placed within Abbotsford’s Community Champions pavilion.

For the full News Release: www.abbotsford.ca/city-hall/news-media/city-abbotsford-announces-dr-marion-keys-and-abbotsford-hospice-grief-support

10/19/2026

The City of Abbotsford has completed its annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count, providing a guide for ongoing local response efforts based on the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness in the community on a single night.

The 2026 count identified 521 people experiencing homelessness, a decrease of 133 people compared to the 654 people identified in 2025.

This 20 per cent decrease marks the first decline in Abbotsford's count in several years and follows significant collaborative efforts with local service providers and BC Housing to connect people experiencing homelessness with housing and support.

"While any number of people experiencing homelessness in our community is still far too many, seeing a reduction in this year's count is encouraging," said Mayor Ross Siemens. "We are grateful for the Province's continued investment through BC Housing, and for the strong collaboration among our government partners and local service providers. These organizations and their frontline staff do tremendous work every day helping people access housing and the support they need. Homelessness is a complex issue, and meaningful progress depends on all of us working together."

For the full News Release, please visit: www.abbotsford.ca/city-hall/news-media/city-abbotsfords-2026-homeless-point-time-count-shows-decrease-more-20-cent

10/18/2026

Unofficial 2026 General Municipal Election results will be posted as soon as they are available, following the close of polls at 8:00pm tonight, October 17, 2026.

View the results at abbotsford.ca/election-results.

10/16/2026

Starting Monday, October 19, Old Yale Road will be closed from Town Road, through Majuba Hill Road to Wilson Road in Chilliwack.

Construction will run through Monday, November 30 (weather permitting). Detour options and signage will be in place guiding drivers. Once the work is completed, Old Yale Road will be fully restored to two lanes of traffic. Access to local residents either side of the full closure will be maintained at all times

10/16/2026

🗳️ The 2026 Local General Election is tomorrow, October 17!

Learn more about voting options, locations, candidates, and the election process at abbotsford.ca/elections.

Voters who wish to vote without leaving their vehicle may do so at the Drive-Through voting location at Abbotsford Exhibition Park - Gate 2, where voting is available from your vehicle only. Please note: The Drive-Through Voting Location is not an express voting option.