> ## 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-3/ - Published: 2026-11-05T17:48:09.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-05T17:54:24.000Z - Description: The Western Hockey League announced Wednesday that Chilliwack will receive its 24th franchise, beginning with the 2027–28 season. Former NHL coach Jeremy Colliton will lead the new organization as governor, general manager and head coach. - Author: Editorial Team - Tags: WHL, BCHL, Chilliwack Chiefs, Major Junior Hockey, Chilliwack Coliseum, Jeremy Colliton, Brett Motherwell, Mason Raymond, Mario Amantea, Patrick Lathrop, Chilliwack Symphony, Chilliwack Christmas Market ## **TODAY'S LEADING STORIES** **Western Hockey League Officially Awards Chilliwack Expansion Franchise — Major Junior Hockey Returns in 2027** The Western Hockey League announced Wednesday that Chilliwack will receive its 24th franchise, beginning with the 2027–28 season. Former NHL coach Jeremy Colliton will lead the new organization as governor, general manager and head coach. The announcement has implications beyond hockey. The return of major junior competition could generate additional business for restaurants, hotels, retailers and sponsors, while bringing renewed attention to the municipally owned Chilliwack Coliseum. **Other significant developments:** Chilliwack firefighters have clarified the source of the smoke seen in the Chilliwack River Valley; the city's new council meets today; residents have only a few days left to influence the 2027 municipal budget; and local contractors have an opportunity to bid on municipal infrastructure work. Today's edition prioritizes newly confirmed developments rather than repeating earlier reports. **Eight verified stories and timely public notices** meet the publication threshold. Additional events and developing stories are identified separately. # **CHILLIWACK & ROSEDALE** ### **WHL officially awards Chilliwack expansion franchise** The Western Hockey League has formally awarded an expansion franchise to Chilliwack, with the team scheduled to begin play at the Chilliwack Coliseum in the 2027–28 season. The ownership group includes Jeremy Colliton, Brett Motherwell, Mason Raymond, Mario Amantea and Patrick Lathrop. Colliton, a former NHL head coach, will oversee hockey operations and serve as the team's first head coach. The club's name and branding will be announced at a future community launch event. The 5,000-seat Coliseum could attract visiting teams, supporters and additional regional spending. The franchise also creates potential opportunities for sponsorships, employment and local business partnerships. The team's name, ticket prices, operating arrangements and financial impact have not been announced. The WHL announcement confirms that substantial upgrades to the municipally owned Coliseum have been approved ahead of the 2027–28 season. The project's full financial implications deserve examination, including capital spending, operating costs and any additional municipal commitments. ### **What does the WHL announcement mean for the Chilliwack Chiefs?** The new WHL franchise raises an important question about the future of the Chilliwack Chiefs, which currently competes in the BCHL. The Chiefs previously confirmed that they would remain in Chilliwack for the 2026–27 season. The BCHL has also publicly expressed support for the organization's continued participation in its league. The arrival of another junior hockey franchise creates questions about arena scheduling, sponsorships, fan support, and the Chiefs' longer-term home. ### **Fire department explains smoke in Chilliwack River Valley** Residents concerned about smoke visible in the Chilliwack River Valley on Wednesday have received reassurance from local firefighters. The Chilliwack River Valley Fire Department says forestry companies are conducting controlled burning of slash piles along forest service roads. Both the department and the BC Wildfire Service are aware of the activity. Smoke sightings can generate understandable concern, particularly in rural communities familiar with wildfire risks. Fire officials have attributed the reported smoke to forestry slash burning and say the activity does not currently pose a danger to the public. ### **Chilliwack's newly elected council holds special meeting** The City of Chilliwack has issued an official notice for a special regular council meeting today, November 5. The meeting comes immediately after the inauguration of Mayor Jason Lum and the newly elected council, providing an early opportunity to examine the administration's decision-making. **Why it matters:** Residents and businesses will be watching how the new council approaches municipal finances, infrastructure, public safety and development. No decisions from today's meeting had been established when this report was prepared. ### **Chilliwack residents have until Sunday to influence 2027 budget** Chilliwack residents have until **November 8** to complete the City's public survey concerning its 2027 financial plan. The consultation asks residents to identify municipal service priorities as the City develops its 2027–2036 financial plan. Officials say the process must balance infrastructure needs, operating costs and property taxation. Budget decisions directly affect homeowners, businesses and municipal services. Public input gives residents an opportunity to identify priorities before the next financial plan is finalized. ### **City seeks contractor for municipal roof replacement** The City of Chilliwack is accepting quotations for roof replacement work at its Utility Operations facility on Wolfe Road. The project involves approximately 3,830 square feet of roofing on two sections of the wastewater treatment plant's utility operations building. The competition is restricted to qualified contractors who are current members of the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia. **Closing date:** November 18, 2026, at 3 p.m. # **CHILLIWACK COMMUNITY & CULTURE** ### **Chilliwack Symphony presents Mozart's Requiem in tribute to the fallen** The Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart's *Requiem* tonight at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. The performance is dedicated to those who lost their lives in military service and takes place ahead of Remembrance Day. ### **Chilliwack Christmas Market opens Friday** Chilliwack's 12th Annual Christmas Market is scheduled to begin Friday, November 6, at the Sports Landing Centre. The three-day event will feature vendors, seasonal merchandise, food trucks and door prizes. Organizers are promoting free admission and parking. **Principal sources:** Western Hockey League, Chilliwack Chiefs, BCHL, Fraser Valley Today, City of Chilliwack and Fraser Valley Current.