Council Blogs

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…

City Council celebrates the Abbotsford Canucks’ Calder Cup win outside City Hall.

Congratulations to the Abbotsford Canucks!



The Calder Cup is here in Abbotsford!

Congratulations to the Abbotsford Canucks on winning their first ever American Hockey League championship. The win caps off an amazing 2024-25 season for the Canucks, from their strong finish in the regular…

A fisher in a boat on Mill Lake.

Enjoy summertime in Abbotsford



Summer is officially here! Today’s summer solstice marks the start of the season and there are tons of fun, local activities and events we’re already looking forward to.

The beginning of summer festival season is right on the horizon with our…

Mayor Siemens (fourth from left) in Vancouver on June 10 for a roundtable on trade co-hosted by Colorado Governor Jared Polis and BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey.

Promoting cross-border collaboration



As the leaders of a border city, we know how important cross-border trade is for our economy, community and local businesses.

During last year’s Manufacturing Bus Tour and this year’s Business Spotlight series, many prominent Abbotsford…

Conair Vice President of Business Development Jeff Berry gave Mayor Siemens and Councillors Warkentin, Gibson, Driessen, Loewen and Ross (not pictured) and City staff a tour of their facilities as part of the City’s Business Spotlight Series.

Council goes inside the hangar at Conair Aerial Firefighting



Abbotsford’s aerospace industry is always on the ascent, and on May 8 City Council’s Business Spotlight Series gave us a look inside one of the local companies that keeps that sector soaring: Conair Aerial Firefighting.

For more than 50 years…

Two workers with hard hats and visibility vests.

Recognizing public works and emergency preparedness



As a City Council it is our mission to continually improve the quality of life in Abbotsford, but it’s not something we can do on our own.

Here at the City of Abbotsford we are fortunate to have skilled teams of workers responsible for…

Mayor Siemens addresses the audience at the second annual Mayor’s Luncheon at Cascade Aerospace.

Mayor’s Luncheon salutes aerospace sector



Aviation is one of Abbotsford’s key industries. Our diverse and innovative airfield is part of the largest aerospace hub on the continent with Washington State, we’re home to a world-class fixed/rotary-winged aerospace cluster, and for the past 10…