Council Blogs

Film crews at work in downtown Abbotsford.

Abbotsford gets its close-up during festive film season



As the Christmas movie watching season begins, Abbotsford is getting ready for its starring role.

Abbotsford’s film sector is an important and growing part of our diverse local economy, and 2025 was another busy year for everyone involved. As…

Image of encampment

More resources needed to reduce homelessness



The number of people experiencing homelessness in Abbotsford has risen over the past year, emphasizing the urgent need for more resources and supports from senior levels of government that are mandated to address housing and health needs.

On…

Screenshot of Projects on the Go map

Keeping track of City projects



Abbotsford is a growing city with a lot of municipal projects underway to ensure that our residents are provided with the services and amenities they need and rely on every day.

There’s a lot to keep track of, from routine infrastructure…

Abbotsford Police Foundation president Sandy Blue addresses the audience during the Crime is Toast fundraiser on Oct. 8.

Strengthening our community for 20 years



In Abbotsford we’re fortunate to have a municipal police service that goes beyond its regular duties to make our city safer and stronger by offering additional crime prevention and outreach programming. This exemplary level of service is made possible…

Mayor Siemens and tour participants examine one of the robotic arms that assists workers at Tiger Tool during a stop on the second annual Manufacturing Industry Tour.

Local manufacturers open their doors



Manufacturing is a pillar of our local economy. It’s one of our largest employment sectors with more than 200 businesses providing 8,000 jobs, and it supports local jobs and economic activity in many other sectors as well. However, even though we have…

Former Abbotsford mayor George Peary sitting at his desk.

Remembering mayor George Peary



Few residents of Abbotsford have been as dedicated to and involved with our community as former mayor George Peary.

For more than 50 years George was a prominent and constant presence in Abbotsford, and friend to those of us on Council who had…

Attendees gather during the opening of last year’s Stetís ímexstowx.

Walking the path of Truth and Reconciliation



The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to learn, listen and reflect. It is a day to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, acknowledge the enduring pain and trauma experienced by Survivors of the…

Mayor Siemens and Councillors Ross and Driessen met with Premier Eby during this week’s UBCM conference in Victoria.

Advocating for Abbotsford at UBCM



At its annual convention in Victoria this week, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) got behind Abbotsford’s push to have the Province of BC provide funding to cities to help cover rising infrastructure costs resulting from the increased residential…

Mayor Siemens and Councillors Loewen, Driessen, Gibson and Barkman went on a tour of BE Power Equipment led by CEO Curtis Braber.

An inside look at BE Power Equipment



It may not be apparent by their humble exteriors, but the buildings in Abbotsford’s Peardonville industrial area are full of fascinating stories and remarkable innovations.

On Sept. 18 our Business Spotlight series brought us through the…

The Fraser Valley Watermedia Society hosted a plein air painting event at Mill Lake Park during last year’s BC Culture Days.

BC Culture Days starts in Abbotsford



Abbotsford is the Cultural and Economic Hub of the Fraser Valley, and this year we’re kicking off one of British Columbia’s biggest cultural celebrations.

The 2025 edition of BC Culture Days is taking place from Sept. 19 to Oct. 12, and on Sept…

Mayor Siemens welcomed attendees and met with service providers at last year’s Fraser Valley Recovery Day.

Celebrating stories of resilience



It’s always inspiring to hear about people who face life-threatening struggles and emerge stronger than before with the promise of a brighter future. Fraser Valley Recovery Day gives us the opportunity to see that strength in our own community.

Clearbrook Iron Works owner and general manager Paul Unger led Mayor Siemens and Councillors Ross, Driessen and Loewen on a facility tour on July 30 as part of the Business Spotlight Series.

Learning how Clearbrook Iron Works works



Our manufacturing and construction sector is a major part of our local economy and one of our region’s top employers. 

We’re grateful to have innovative and resilient manufacturers and fabricators in Abbotsford, and last month our Business…