On Nov. 3, the 2026-2030 term of Abbotsford City Council held our inaugural Council meeting where we took our oaths of office and were sworn in by Judge Perbeen Mann. It was a proud moment, and we are honoured by the trust placed in us by the community. We’d like to thank all voters, election workers and candidates for participating in October’s municipal election.
At the meeting, Mayor Siemens delivered his inaugural address, which touched on the importance of public safety, well-planned growth, advocacy for long-term flood mitigation, housing, recreation and good governance.
He outlined how public safety is the foundation of a strong community and stressed our continued support of police and first responders while working with senior governments and service providers on practical solutions to strengthen our neighbourhoods.
He added that this term will see the implementation of the City’s infrastructure masterplans, and that we will continue improving roads and infrastructure, managing pressure on taxpayers responsibly and providing greater certainty for families, businesses and housing providers.
He said we will continue advocating for long-term flood mitigation for Sumas and Matsqui Prairie to protect homes, jobs, farmland, transportation networks and food security.
The Mayor described housing as one of our defining challenges and said we will work to improve processes, support more housing choices and use the updated Official Community Plan to ensure development is sustainable and supported by infrastructure.
He emphasized the importance of recreation to our community, noting that we will continue advancing sports infrastructure and community amenities, pursuing partnerships and external funding wherever possible. These investments help build a healthier, more connected and vibrant Abbotsford.
The Mayor stressed the value of good governance and said we will protect core services, manage public dollars responsibly, reduce unnecessary delay and remain transparent and accountable.
To watch the full ceremony, including the inaugural address, click here.
For the past two weeks, the incoming City Council has been meeting to determine our strategic priorities for the coming term. We look forward to sharing our plan once it has been completed and getting to work pursuing our vision for Abbotsford.
Looking ahead, Abbotsford has a bright future. This is a community that faces challenges together, and you will find that attitude reflected in this Council. We pledge to lead with humility, respect and collaboration, to listen before deciding, and to keep Abbotsford’s long-term interests at the centre of our work. We will build a safer, stronger and more resilient city and keep moving Abbotsford forward together.
Abbotsford City Council