> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.upperfraservalley.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # NEWS ROUNDUP - URL: https://www.upperfraservalley.news/news-roundup-2/ - Published: 2026-11-04T17:32:43.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-04T17:35:14.000Z - Description: Today's coverage includes Chilliwack drought conditions, new municipal councils, UFV health fair, Harrison budget consultation and local community events. - Author: Editorial Team - Tags: Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs, Jason Lum, Chris Kloot, Nicole Read, Trevor McDonald, Steve Czeck, Kevin Baarda, Sue Knott, University of the Fraser Valley, All Sappers' Memorial Park, Christmas market, Sports Landing Centre, Hope, Fraser Canyon, Paul Jenkinson **Wednesday, November 4, 2026** ## **TODAY'S LEADING STORIES** **Chilliwack's unusually dry October is raising fresh concerns about persistent drought conditions, with rainfall reportedly 64% below normal. The findings are particularly relevant to the Upper Fraser Valley's agricultural economy, water resources and environmental management.** Municipal government is another major focus. Chilliwack's newly elected mayor and council began their four-year term Tuesday evening, while Harrison Hot Springs has officially introduced its 2026–2030 council and launched an opportunity for residents to influence the 2027 budget. Healthcare, fraud prevention, Remembrance Day preparations and several significant community events round out today's coverage. ## **CHILLIWACK & ROSEDALE** ### **Chilliwack records driest October since 2013 as drought concerns continue** Chilliwack experienced its driest October in 13 years, according to newly reported observations from the community's weather records. Rainfall was approximately 64% below normal, continuing a pattern of unusually dry conditions. Extended dry periods can affect agricultural operations, soil moisture, streams and water-management planning. The rainfall deficit is confirmed by local reports, but specific impacts on farms or municipal water supplies have not yet been documented. ### **Jason Lum and Chilliwack's ninth council begin four-year term** Jason Lum and six councillors were scheduled to take their oaths of office Tuesday evening at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, formally beginning the city's ninth council term. The new council includes Chris Kloot, Nicole Read, Trevor McDonald, Steve Czeck, Kevin Baarda and Sue Knott. Its responsibilities will include municipal budgeting, infrastructure investment, public safety and development planning. The transition marks the beginning of a new municipal administration at a time when Chilliwack faces significant growth and infrastructure demands. ### **Chilliwack announces special council meeting for November 5** The City of Chilliwack has posted notice of a special regular council meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 5. The meeting represents an early opportunity to observe the new council's decision-making following Tuesday's inauguration. Residents and businesses will be watching for the administration's approach to municipal spending, development approvals and infrastructure priorities. ### **UFV announces public Fall Health Fair in Chilliwack** The University of the Fraser Valley is organizing a public Fall Health Fair in Chilliwack, offering opportunities to learn about health-related topics and preventive care. The event is expected to include health screenings and influenza vaccinations, providing residents with access to information and services in a community setting. ### **Free Chilliwack seminar helps residents recognize scams** The Chilliwack & District Seniors Resources Society and Chilliwack Learning Society are hosting a free fraud-prevention seminar today. *Scam Sense* will address common fraud tactics, warning signs, account protection and steps residents can take if they believe they have been targeted. Presenters include Chilliwack Crime Prevention Services and RBC Royal Bank. Fraud prevention is particularly important for seniors and other residents who may be targeted through telephone, email or online scams. ### **Chilliwack prepares multiple Remembrance Day ceremonies** Chilliwack is preparing several public ceremonies to commemorate Remembrance Day on November 11. Local reporting confirms that ceremonies are planned at Veterans' Memorial Park and All Sappers' Memorial Park, with temporary road closures expected around the commemorative locations. Multiple ceremonies and associated traffic restrictions have been announced. Detailed road-closure times should be checked against the City's final notices. ### **Major Christmas market returns to Chilliwack this weekend** Chilliwack's 12th Annual Christmas Market is scheduled for November 6–8 at the Sports Landing Centre. Organizers are promoting the event as a major free indoor Christmas market, featuring vendors, food trucks and door prizes. Admission and parking are free. Seasonal markets provide sales opportunities for artisans, small retailers and home-based businesses while attracting shoppers to Chilliwack. ## **HARRISON HOT SPRINGS** ### **Harrison officially introduces its 2026–2030 council** The Village of Harrison Hot Springs has confirmed that its new council began its four-year term at Monday's inaugural meeting. Mayor Fred Talen is joined by councillors Susan Galvao, Stewart Pritchard, Michael Warn and Landry Winkles. The ceremony also recognized outgoing councillors Leo Facio, Allan Jackson, Mark Schweinbenz and Michie Vidal. The inauguration took place November 2, and the Village published its official council introduction November 3. ### **Harrison residents invited to influence 2027 budget** Harrison Hot Springs has opened an early public consultation process for its 2027 municipal budget. Residents are invited to identify priorities and provide feedback, which will be shared with the council as it considers spending and service decisions for the coming year. The consultation gives residents an opportunity to influence decisions that affect municipal services, infrastructure, and taxation before the budget is finalized. The Village has announced a November 24 deadline for survey responses. ## **HOPE & FRASER CANYON** ### **Hope prepares for Pumpkin Smash racing and demolition derby** The Hope Motorsports Group is preparing for *Pumpkin Smash 2026* on Saturday, November 7. The event is scheduled for the 6th Avenue Sports Bowl and will feature ministock and four-wheel-drive racing during the day, followed by demolition derbies in the evening. Motorsports events bring spectators into Hope and create activity for local businesses while supporting the community's recreational calendar. ## **REGIONAL HUMAN INTEREST** ### **Retired social worker brings free listening project back to Fraser Valley** Retired social worker Paul Jenkinson has returned to the Fraser Valley as part of a cross-Canada journey offering people a chance to sit down and be heard. Jenkinson previously worked in Mission, Chilliwack and Abbotsford. Since beginning his journey in Nova Scotia in May 2025, he has travelled approximately 50,000 kilometres and participated in roughly 1,500 extended conversations. His project offers free, informal listening sessions in public spaces. The initiative highlights the importance of personal connection and social isolation, particularly for people who may not have someone readily available to listen. Jenkinson is visiting the Fraser Valley through November 9\. His current stop is in Abbotsford, making this a regional human-interest feature rather than a Chilliwack-specific event. **Sources reviewed:** Chilliwack Progress, Fraser Valley Current, Fraser Valley Today, Fraser Valley News Network, City of Chilliwack, Village of Harrison Hot Springs and regional event listings.