Council Blogs

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…

Mayor Siemens and Councillors Ross, Driessen, Barkman and Gibson at the 2024 Aerospace Defence and Security Expo at Tradex.

Welcoming leaders in aerospace, government and military



Did you know Abbotsford International Airport is a city-owned facility serving over 1 million passengers with over 3,600 flights annually and is part of a world-class aviation hub representing more than 2,000 local jobs on the airfield? 

On June 24, City Council reviewed and approved the City of Abbotsford’s 2024 Annual Report.

Digging into the 2024 Annual Report



Each year by June 30 the City of Abbotsford releases an Annual Report containing the previous year’s audited financial statements, a report on municipal services and operations, a progress report on the objectives set out in the Strategic Plan for the…

Mayor Siemens and MLA Banman with members of the SARA for Women team and Rapid Relief Team at a 50th anniversary barbecue outside SARA for Women’s Christine Lamb Residence on July 18.

Celebrating 50 years supporting women in need



We’re fortunate to live in a community with so many organizations willing to support people who are struggling. Many of these organizations have deep roots in our community and one of them is recognizing a significant milestone.

This year SARA…

Mayor Siemens with former BC Minister of State for Trade Rick Glumac during an event highlighting the Provincial response to US tariffs.

Government and business talk tariffs



The impact of US tariffs has been felt across Canada, but being a border city means Abbotsford businesses that rely on the American market are being hit particularly hard.

As a Council, we’ve heard firsthand how businesses are pivoting and…

An outreach worker attends an encampment on Ministry of Transportation and Transit property where many struggle with substance use issues.

Frontline workers discuss addiction, homelessness



As a City Council, ensuring that adequate services are available to address addiction and homelessness in our community is a priority we feel strongly about. However, despite our best efforts and continuous advocacy work with provincial agencies that…

Mayor Siemens and Councillors Warkentin, Gibson and Sidhu pose with the City of Abbotsford’s float at last year’s Canada Day parade.

A celebration of national unity



On July 1 we’re excited to host our community and visitors from near and far for a full day of festivities in celebration of Canada’s 158th birthday!

Our annual Canada Day celebration is once again being presented in partnership with Tourism…