> ## 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-4/ - Published: 2026-10-23T17:25:09.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T17:25:09.000Z - Description: A proposed motocross facility on Cheam First Nation land has encountered a delay as the Upper Fraser Valley prepares for a major 9-1-1 technology upgrade. - Author: Editorial Team - Tags: Chilliwack, Cheam First Nation, motocross, Chilliwack RCMP, Queer Arts Festival, Chilliwack Rotary, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, REGIONAL UPPER FRASER VALLEY, Next Generation 9-1-1, Chilliwack transit **Friday, October 23, 2026** The development of motocross is particularly interesting because Popkum Motor Park is preparing to close after 17 years. The proposed replacement could create new recreational and tourism opportunities, but community consultation and environmental assessments remain outstanding. Tomorrow's provincial election is also approaching, with updated advance-voting figures showing considerably stronger participation in Chilliwack-Cultus Lake than Chilliwack North. Elsewhere, the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival continues its tenth-anniversary celebrations, Harrison Hot Springs hosts a major concert tonight, and two important agricultural and nonprofit decisions are approaching in Agassiz. ## **CHILLIWACK & ROSEDALE** ### **Cheam First Nation requests more community consultation on proposed motocross facility** A proposal to establish a new motocross facility on Cheam First Nation land has been delayed while Chief and Council seek additional community feedback. The project promoter had hoped to receive a decision this week but says it respects the need to hear concerns before proceeding. The proposed location replaces an earlier concept involving the former Bridal Falls golf and driving-range property. The proposal comes as Popkum Motor Park prepares to close on November 30 after 17 years of operation due to zoning changes. A replacement facility could preserve recreational opportunities, attract motorsport tourism and create economic activity. Sound testing, environmental assessments, dust-control measures and traffic-management planning are still required. No final development approval has been announced. ### **Chilliwack-Cultus Lake advance voting substantially exceeds Chilliwack North** New Elections BC figures show that **9,606 voters participated in advance voting in Chilliwack-Cultus Lake**, representing 21.89% of registered voters. Chilliwack North recorded 6,927 advance ballots, or 16.63% of registered voters. The Fraser-Nicola riding, which includes Hope, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs, recorded 6,396 advance ballots. The nearly five-percentage-point difference between the two Chilliwack ridings is notable, although advance turnout alone cannot predict the election outcome. Chilliwack North had two advance-voting locations, including Rosedale Traditional School, compared with four in Chilliwack-Cultus Lake. ### **Chilliwack RCMP report youth assault and separate bear-spray robbery** Chilliwack RCMP have released information about two incidents investigated during October 12–18. In one case, a youth was injured after allegedly being struck with a glass bottle during an altercation on Yale Road. Police arrested another youth believed to be involved. In a separate incident at Salish Park, a man reported being threatened with bear spray before his electric scooter was taken. The scooter was subsequently recovered, and police continue investigating. The incidents raise concerns about violence involving young people and personal safety in public spaces. The scooter investigation remains active. The allegations involving the youths have not been established in court. ### **Chilliwack's new independent cinema hosts inaugural screening tonight** The Chilliwack Film Society will offer a preview of its planned Basement Cinema tonight with a special screening of *Creep 2* and an in-person discussion with director Patrick Brice. The event is part of the tenth annual Chilliwack Independent Film Festival and has already sold out. The society has secured premises at 9232 Young Road for a permanent two-screen cinema, with initial screenings planned for spring 2027. The project could strengthen downtown Chilliwack's evening economy while providing a permanent venue for independent films, festivals and cultural programming. Fundraising and renovations remain necessary before the permanent cinema can open. ### **Chilliwack Queer Arts Festival features performances and artisan market tonight** The Chilliwack Cultural Centre is hosting *Drag in the Wack* tonight as part of the 2026 Chilliwack Queer Arts Festival. Performances are scheduled for 6:30 and 9 p.m., featuring drag artists, music and comedy. A free Queer Night Market runs from 7:30–9:30 p.m., showcasing local artisans and handmade products. The festival supports Chilliwack's cultural sector while providing opportunities for independent artists, performers and small creative businesses. ### **Chilliwack Rotary prepares one of Western Canada's largest used-book sales** The Rotary Club of Chilliwack is preparing for its 42nd annual book sale, November 1–7 at Chilliwack Heritage Park. Organizers expect approximately 85,000 books and other donated items, including an additional 15,000 items following the cancellation of the summer outdoor sale. The event typically raises more than $100,000 annually for community projects, scholarships and literacy initiatives. Beyond being a major community fundraiser, the event attracts shoppers from outside Chilliwack and supports educational, environmental and food-security programs. ## **AGASSIZ & DISTRICT OF KENT** ### **Kent considers approximately $107,000 in nonprofit property-tax exemptions** Kent council is preparing to consider its 2027 permissive property-tax exemption bylaw. The proposed exemptions would benefit 11 community and nonprofit organizations, including Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, seniors' housing organizations and Kent Harrison Search and Rescue. The estimated exemptions total approximately $107,000 for 2027. These exemptions help nonprofit organizations direct more resources toward community services, although they also represent municipal property-tax revenue that would otherwise be collected. The proposed exemptions are scheduled for council consideration October 26 and have not yet been adopted. ## **HARRISON HOT SPRINGS & HARRISON MILLS** ### **Harrison prepares for transition to newly elected council** The Village of Harrison Hot Springs has released highlights from its October 19 council meeting, including recognition of outgoing councillors **Chilliwack Rotary**, Michie Vidal and Allan Jackson. The meeting also received the Village's third-quarter operational update, which includes information about municipal infrastructure and ongoing projects. The new council will formally take office November 2 at 5:30 p.m., followed by a public reception. The incoming council will inherit major decisions involving flood protection, infrastructure investment, tourism and municipal finances. ## **HOPE & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES** ### **Hope community-services hub prepares for October 30 open house** Chilliwack Community Services is preparing to officially welcome residents to its new Hope location at The Commons, Unit A, 895 Third Avenue. An open house is scheduled for Friday, October 30, from 9 a.m. until noon. The facility is intended to strengthen access to community programs and collaboration among service providers. The expansion could improve access to services for residents of Hope, Sunshine Valley and Fraser Canyon communities, including Boston Bar. ## **REGIONAL UPPER FRASER VALLEY** ### **Next-generation 9-1-1 dispatch system launches Monday** Emergency dispatch services serving the Upper Fraser Valley and Mission will begin transitioning to **Next Generation 9-1-1 on Monday, October 26**. The modernization replaces aging communications infrastructure and introduces an automated callback system for emergency calls that are quickly disconnected or abandoned. RCMP officials say residents should notice no change in how they contact emergency services. The modernization lays the groundwork for future emergency communication capabilities, including more accurate caller locations, real-time text communication and video sharing. Those advanced features are not available immediately and are expected to arrive in later implementation phases. ### **Free Chilliwack transit confirmed for Saturday's provincial election** BC Transit has confirmed that participating Chilliwack transit services will be free on Saturday, October 24, to help residents travel to polling stations. The fare waiver also applies to participating Central Fraser Valley services in Abbotsford and Mission. The interregional Route 66 Fraser Valley Express is excluded from the free-transit arrangement. Free transit can make voting easier for residents without vehicles, seniors and others who face transportation barriers. # **DEVELOPING STORIES** **Cheam First Nation motocross proposal:** This is today's most interesting emerging development story. The relationship among the proposed new facility, the closure of Popkum Motor Park, community consultation, and environmental requirements warrants continued investigation. **Provincial election:** Voting takes place tomorrow, October 24\. Particular attention should be paid to Chilliwack North, Chilliwack-Cultus Lake and Fraser-Nicola, including the outcome of competing healthcare and infrastructure commitments. **Chilliwack healthcare:** The proposed $8-million provincial MRI commitment remains conditional on the election outcome and subsequent government decisions. The deferred Bradley Centre long-term-care redevelopment also remains an important issue. **Chilliwack's independent cinema:** Basement Cinema has secured premises, but fundraising, renovations and final opening arrangements remain outstanding. **Harrison flood protection:** Engineering and environmental approvals remain important milestones for the Village's dike-improvement project. **Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge:** The three-year rehabilitation remains a major transportation project affecting both sides of the Fraser River. No significant new closure announcement was verified this morning. **Boston Bar television service:** The referendum is resolved, but the long-term operating and financial implications of retaining the service deserve follow-up. **Lytton mayoral recount:** The extraordinary 45–45 election tie remains unresolved, with a judicial recount expected October 27–30.