> ## 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. # Today's Leading Stories - URL: https://www.upperfraservalley.news/todays-leading-stories-3/ - Published: 2026-10-22T16:50:48.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-22T16:50:48.000Z - Description: A new independent movie theatre is coming to downtown Chilliwack, a major healthcare funding commitment has emerged in the provincial election campaign, and Harrison Hot Springs has released important updates on several infrastructure projects. - Author: Editorial Team - Tags: Movie Theater, Chilliwack, Kelli Paddon, Chilliwack General Hospital, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Miami River, Big EasyFunk, Hope Farmers Market, Hope Arts Council, Denise O'Connor, Jennifer Thoss **Thursday, October 22, 2026 | Morning Edition** **Research updated: 9 a.m. Pacific** **Coverage:** Chilliwack, Rosedale, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Harrison Mills, Hope and Fraser Canyon. The Chilliwack Film Society has announced plans for a permanent two-screen cinema near District 1881, with initial screenings expected in spring 2027. Meanwhile, Chilliwack-Cultus Lake NDP candidate Kelli Paddon has announced a conditional $8-million commitment toward an MRI machine at Chilliwack General Hospital. The announcement follows years of community fundraising. In Harrison Hot Springs, a newly released municipal report provides updates on flood protection, bridge engineering, road improvements and a feasibility study involving the community's hot ## **CHILLIWACK & ROSEDALE** ### **NEW: Independent movie theatre planned for downtown Chilliwack** The Chilliwack Film Society has announced plans to establish Basement Cinema, a permanent two-screen independent movie theatre at 9232 Young Road. The organization has secured a lease and hopes to begin screenings in spring 2027, with both theatres completed by the end of that year. Equipment and seating salvaged from the former Cottonwood Cinema will help furnish the new venue. This is a significant cultural and downtown economic-development announcement. Located one block from District 1881, the theatre could generate additional evening activity for nearby restaurants and businesses. The society is fundraising to help complete the project. An inaugural pop-up screening takes place Friday, October 23, featuring *Creep 2* and a discussion with director Patrick Brice. ### **$8-million provincial MRI commitment announced for Chilliwack General Hospital** Kelli Paddon announced Wednesday that a re-elected BC NDP government would contribute **$8 million toward installing an MRI machine at Chilliwack General Hospital**. According to the announcement, approximately $14 million has already been raised locally through community fundraising efforts. Mayor-elect Jason Lum expressed support for the project and said he intends to work with the province and Fraser Health to begin construction within 12 months. An MRI machine would improve access to diagnostic imaging for patients throughout the eastern Fraser Valley, potentially reducing the need to travel to other hospitals. This is an election commitment, not an approved government expenditure. Funding and construction remain conditional on subsequent government decisions. ### **RCMP seize electric dirt bikes after youths confront Chilliwack homeowner** Chilliwack RCMP say two youths were apprehended after a group riding electric dirt bikes allegedly rang doorbells on Wilson Road, threatened to return and challenged a homeowner to call police. Officers responded, and the youths initially fled. Two were subsequently apprehended, their electric dirt bikes were seized, and they were released to their parents. The incident illustrates growing concerns about the operation of electric dirt bikes in residential neighbourhoods, including potential conflicts with pedestrians and property owners. The police investigation continues. ## **AGASSIZ & DISTRICT OF KENT** ### **Culvert replacement brings traffic restrictions to Else Road** The District of Kent has issued a construction notice concerning culvert replacement on Else Road. The published schedule called for a full daytime road closure, with local access maintained, on October 20, followed by single-lane alternating traffic on October 21\. Motorists were directed to use Ashton Road as an alternative route. Culvert replacement is essential for maintaining rural drainage infrastructure and reducing the risk of road damage during heavy rainfall. Construction notice issued October 20\. The District has not confirmed in the notice whether additional restrictions will continue today. ### **Proposed mixed-animal veterinary clinic approaches October 26 council consideration** Kent council is scheduled to consider a zoning amendment that would permit a mixed-animal veterinary clinic at 5402 Lougheed Highway. The proposal involves an agricultural property of approximately 8.2 hectares and would accommodate veterinary services, agricultural activities, and dog boarding. Additional veterinary capacity could benefit livestock producers, farmers and pet owners throughout Agassiz and surrounding agricultural communities. Council will consider the proposed amendment Monday, October 26, at 6 p.m. Written public comments are being accepted until 12:30 p.m. that day. ## **HARRISON HOT SPRINGS & HARRISON MILLS** ### **Harrison Hot Springs officially confirms new mayor and council** The Village of Harrison Hot Springs has formally declared the results of its October 17 municipal election. Fred Talen has been confirmed as mayor, with Susan Galvao, Michael Warn, Stewart Pritchard and Landry Winkles elected to council. The official declarations were signed October 21, replacing the preliminary results reported over the weekend. The new council will inherit decisions involving flood protection, tourism, development, municipal infrastructure and community finances. The inaugural council meeting is scheduled for **Monday, November 2, at 5:30 p.m.** ### **Harrison flood-protection project advances through engineering and permitting** A newly released municipal report provides an important update on Harrison Hot Springs' dike improvement project. The Village reports that work is progressing toward a **milestone**. An application under the Water Sustainability Act has been submitted, while authorization from Fisheries and Oceans Canada remains in progress. Flood protection is among Harrison's most important long-term infrastructure priorities, particularly given the community's location beside Harrison Lake and its history of flooding. Environmental approvals and completion of engineering design remain necessary before construction can proceed. ### **Miami River bridge engineering completed; additional road projects advancing** Harrison's third-quarter municipal report confirms that engineering design for the Miami River South Bridge project has been completed, with environmental permitting underway. The Village also reports that Grandview Blacktop has been awarded the Naismith Avenue repaving contract, while Eastvale Contracting has received the Hot Springs Road sidewalk extension and rain garden contract. Both road projects are scheduled for work during the fourth quarter of 2026. These investments address transportation infrastructure, pedestrian safety and drainage in a community that experiences substantial seasonal visitor traffic. Environmental permitting for the Miami River bridge project remains outstanding, while the road contracts are moving toward construction. ### **Harrison advances hot springs feasibility study and splash-pad planning** The Village reports that contracting arrangements are progressing for a feasibility study concerning the hot springs source, with work targeted to begin during the fourth quarter. Separately, municipal staff is reviewing design concepts and possible locations for a proposed community splash pad. Public consultation on potential locations concluded earlier this month. The hot springs are central to Harrison's identity and tourism economy, making any investigation involving the source particularly significant. The proposed splash pad could also expand recreational opportunities for local families. Neither initiative has reached a final decision on implementation. ### **Big Easy Funk Ensemble performs in Harrison Friday** The Harrison Festival Society is presenting Vancouver's nine-piece Big Easy Funk Ensemble at Harrison Memorial Hall tomorrow evening. The group performs a mixture of New Orleans-inspired funk, jazz, soul and blues. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Concert programming outside the summer tourism season helps attract visitors and supports Harrison's restaurants, accommodations and cultural economy. ## **HOPE** ### **Hope Farmers Market prepares for final scheduled market of 2026** The Hope Farmers Market will hold its final scheduled market of the 2026 season this Sunday, October 25. The market operates from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Memorial Park and features local growers, food producers, artisans and other small businesses. Farmers markets provide an important direct-sales opportunity for small agricultural producers and independent businesses while attracting residents and visitors to downtown Hope. ### **Hope Arts Council offers community open studio tonight** The Hope & District Arts Council is hosting another Open Studio A session this evening at The Art Machine on Fort Street. The gathering runs from 5–7:30 p.m. and provides a collaborative setting for visual artists to work on individual projects, exchange ideas and connect with other creative residents. Small community arts programs provide opportunities for creative development and help sustain Hope's local cultural sector. ## **FRASER CANYON** ### **Lytton mayoral recount approaches following extraordinary election tie** The Lytton mayoral election remains unresolved after incumbent Denise O'Connor and challenger Jennifer Thoss each received exactly 45 votes. The Village has confirmed the tie and is pursuing a judicial recount. Under the applicable election procedures, the recount must take place between October 27 and 30. If the recount confirms the tie, a judge will determine the successful candidate by drawing lots. The result will determine who leads a community still facing substantial rebuilding, infrastructure and financial challenges following the 2021 wildfire. No completed judicial recount was verified this morning. ## **DEVELOPING STORIES** **Chilliwack's new cinema:** Basement Cinema deserves follow-up on financing, renovation costs, construction permits and its proposed spring 2027 opening. This could become a meaningful addition to downtown Chilliwack's entertainment economy. **Chilliwack MRI:** The $8-million election commitment is important, but the next milestone is confirmation of actual government funding. Construction timing, operating costs and staffing will also require clarification. **Harrison flood protection:** The dike upgrade is progressing through the engineering and permitting phases. Construction funding, environmental approvals and the final project schedule should remain on the infrastructure watchlist. **Harrison Hot Springs source: The proposed feasibility study could have significant implications for tourism and the** future management of the resource. The study's scope and findings will deserve closer examination. **Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge:** The three-year rehabilitation remains one of the Upper Fraser Valley's most consequential transportation projects. No significant new construction milestone was confirmed in today's research. **Provincial election:** Saturday's election will determine representation for Chilliwack North, Chilliwack-Cultus Lake and Fraser-Nicola. Healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and economic development remain the principal local issues. **Lytton recount:** The judicial recount is scheduled for next week. The outcome could affect the direction of the Village's rebuilding program.