On Oct. 20, we held the final meeting of our 2022–2026 Council term. Looking back, we’re proud to reflect on four years of service, progress and collaboration.
Guided by our Strategic Plan, Abbotsford City Council worked to build an inclusive and connected community, a sustainable and safe city, a vibrant and growing economy, and support a City organization grounded in excellence and integrity. As part of our term, we looked back on Abbotsford’s 30th year as a municipality while planning for its future through our Abbotsforward 2050 Official Community Plan update. We also advanced long-term planning for transportation, recreation and infrastructure — including upgrades to the Barrowtown Pump Station — as well as support for housing, transportation and business growth.
These achievements were guided by the many residents and community partners who participated in public engagement and planning discussions. Together, we expanded parks and recreation amenities, supported arts, culture, accessibility and community events, adopted the Mill Lake Park Master Plan, and continued implementing our Homelessness Action Plan and Affordable Housing Strategy. As this term comes to a conclusion, we are proud to recognize that Abbotsford is stronger, with a clear vision for growth, improved infrastructure and financial plans, and meaningful progress in flood resilience, water security, housing, transportation and community development.
We’d like to thank and recognize four departing City Councillors whose service has left a lasting impact on Abbotsford.
Over three Council terms, Kelly Chahal brought empathy, thoughtful judgment and a deep commitment to social justice and community service to her role. Her measured voice, critical thinking and dedication to improving people’s lives strengthened Council’s decisions and reflected a lifetime of service, education and advocacy.
Dave Loewen displayed principled leadership, careful research, faith and a lifelong dedication to serving others during his 21 years on Council. As an educator, volunteer and community builder, he consistently sought the facts, valued inclusion and partnership, and placed the interests of Abbotsford residents at the centre of his work.
Simon Gibson contributed decades of municipal and provincial experience, institutional knowledge, and an enduring connection to residents. A principled public servant and educator, he brought wisdom to the Council table while remaining a familiar and engaged presence at community events throughout Abbotsford.
As a first-term Councillor, Mark Warkentin brought a fresh perspective, analytical rigour and a lawyer’s attention to detail. He asked thoughtful questions, explained his positions clearly and carefully weighed costs and benefits to ensure decisions considered both the immediate and long-term needs of Abbotsford residents.
For more on our departing Councillors, view Mayor and Council’s remarks at our final Council meeting:
On Nov. 3, a new City Council will be sworn in, including four new faces: Councillors-elect Carmen Hollett, Kristy Mills, Amrik Narang and Rick Thiessen. Council looks forward to continued collaboration while building a caring, resilient and prosperous Abbotsford that all residents are all proud to call home.
Abbotsford City Council