> ## 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 STORIES - URL: https://www.upperfraservalley.news/todays-stories/ - Published: 2026-11-01T17:35:26.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-01T17:39:13.000Z - Description: Today's coverage includes Cheam First Nation business deadline, Rotary book sale opening, Hope water-main flushing, FVRD emergency-preparedness initiative, Boston Bar fire hall project and local hockey coverage. - Author: Editorial Team - Tags: Chilliwack, Cheam First Nation, Chilliwack Rotary, Thornton Road, Harrison Hot Springs, Lights by the Lake, Hope, Angela Skoglund, Fog Fest, Fraser Canyon, Fraser Valley Regional District **Sunday, November 1, 2026** **Today is the deadline for entrepreneurs to submit business proposals for Cheam First Nation's former Xwchíyò:m Market property on the Agassiz-Rosedale Highway. The opportunity could bring a new commercial use to an established retail location and support First Nations economic development.** Other developments include the opening of Chilliwack Rotary's major annual book sale, new infrastructure notices in Chilliwack and Hope, and regional emergency preparedness projects that warrant closer examination. The Local Sports Desk has a confirmed Chilliwack Chiefs result and details of an upcoming minor-hockey tournament that could bring dozens of teams to the community. # **CHILLIWACK & ROSEDALE** ### **Deadline arrives for proposals to reopen former Cheam First Nation market** Today is the deadline for entrepreneurs interested in leasing the former Xwchíyò:m Market property at 10235 Agassiz-Rosedale Highway. Cheam First Nation is accepting proposals from members and the general public for the approximately 2,165-square-foot retail building and associated parking area. Proposals submitted by Cheam members will receive additional consideration. The market closed earlier this year after its operator determined that the business was not achieving the financial performance needed for sustainable operations. The property represents an opportunity for a new business serving residents and travellers along Highway 9 while supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic development. No successful applicant or new tenant has been announced. Today's deadline does not mean a lease has been awarded. ### **Chilliwack Rotary opens massive annual book sale at Heritage Park** **Sunday, November 1, 2026** The seven-day event features tens of thousands of donated books, along with CDs, DVDs, records and puzzles. Admission is free, with most books priced between $2 and $4. The sale runs November 1–7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Proceeds support Rotary initiatives, including student scholarships, literacy, children's food programs, community gardens, and improvements to local trails and waterways. The event also attracts shoppers from outside Chilliwack, generating additional visitor activity. ### **Thornton Road construction and traffic restrictions continue through November** The City of Chilliwack has issued a traffic notice for construction along Thornton Road. The work includes a retaining wall, a temporary access road, a culvert, drainage improvements, and road widening. Construction is scheduled between October 30 and November 30, with permitted work hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists and nearby residents should anticipate construction activity and possible traffic restrictions. ### **Regional district seeks electrical and civil contractors** The Fraser Valley Regional District has issued separate requests for standing offers covering electrical services and civil contracting. Both procurement opportunities were posted October 28, with submissions scheduled to close November 20. The arrangements would allow the regional district to establish relationships with qualified contractors for future work. These opportunities may interest Chilliwack and Upper Fraser Valley contractors seeking public-sector work. The requests are procurement processes, not announcements of awarded contracts or approved individual construction projects. # **HARRISON HOT SPRINGS & HARRISON MILLS** ### **Harrison prepares for extended holiday light festival** Harrison Hot Springs is preparing for the return of *Lights by the Lake*, scheduled to run from November 21 through January 10. The annual celebration transforms the lakeside promenade with holiday lighting, decorations and seasonal activities. The opening celebration is scheduled for November 21, from 5–8 p.m., with entertainment, family activities and fireworks. # **HOPE** ### **Hope begins water-main flushing Monday** The District of Hope has announced that its Utilities Department will begin flushing water mains throughout the community on Monday, November 2. The program will continue until all fire hydrants have been flushed. Residents may experience temporary changes in water pressure, discolouration or sediment. The District says these effects are generally aesthetic rather than a health hazard. The work is part of maintaining the municipal water system, but residents should be aware of possible temporary changes in water quality. The District recommends running cold water until it clears if discolouration occurs and checking water before doing laundry. ### **Hope recognizes outgoing councillor Angela Skoglund** The District of Hope has recognized outgoing councillor Angela Skoglund for her service from 2022 to 2026. At the final council meeting of the term, Skoglund was presented with a small carving in recognition of her contributions. Her community involvement has included work with the Accessibility Committee, the Hope & District Ratepayers Association and the Hope & District Arts Council. ### **Hope prepares for expanded November Fog Fest** Tourism Hope Cascades & Canyons is preparing for the return of Fog Fest, scheduled for November 20–December 6. The festival celebrates Hope's distinctive autumn atmosphere through themed activities, local experiences, and tourism promotions. The event is intended to encourage visitors to explore Hope and the surrounding communities during a traditionally quieter period for tourism. # **FRASER CANYON** ### **Boston Bar fire hall ventilation project advances through procurement** The Fraser Valley Regional District has closed its request for proposals for ventilation improvements at Boston Bar Fire Hall 1. The project involves an integrated ventilation and gas-detection system for the fire engine bay, intended to improve indoor air quality and reduce firefighters' exposure to vehicle exhaust. The procurement closed on October 28, and no contract award has been listed. Volunteer fire departments in smaller Fraser Canyon communities depend on safe, functional facilities to maintain emergency-response capability. This is a worthwhile local infrastructure investment to follow through with contract award and installation. # **REGIONAL UPPER FRASER VALLEY** ### **FVRD develops plans for community emergency-pods program** The Fraser Valley Regional District has completed the submission period for a proposed regional emergency-preparedness initiative. The project involves replacing the FVRD's 2018 Emergency Preparedness Guide and developing a Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Pods program. The proposed program would help residents and communities organize locally, strengthen preparedness and develop practical resources for responding to emergencies. The initiative is particularly relevant to rural communities vulnerable to wildfire, flooding, landslides and transportation disruptions. Smaller communities throughout the Fraser Canyon and Chilliwack River Valley could benefit from improved neighbourhood-level emergency coordination. ### **STORIES FOLLOWING TOMORROW** **Chilliwack:** Updates concerning Friday's fatal Young Road house fire and displaced residents. **Chilliwack:** Confirmation that Friday's telecommunications outage has been fully resolved. **Rosedale/Cheam:** Outcome of the November 1 business-proposal deadline. **Harrison Hot Springs:** Inaugural council meeting and new municipal priorities. **Hope:** Beginning of municipal water-main flushing. **Chilliwack:** November 3 Prest Road traffic changes. **Agassiz:** Final decisions concerning the proposed veterinary clinic and nonprofit tax exemptions. **Boston Bar:** Contract award for fire hall ventilation improvements. **Local sports:** Chilliwack Minor Hockey tournament preparations, high school playoff developments, and noteworthy weekend minor-sport achievements. **Regional:** Progress on the FVRD emergency pods initiative and on archaeological work associated with the proposed civic building. **Sources reviewed:** City of Chilliwack, District of Hope, District of Kent, Village of Harrison Hot Springs, Fraser Valley Regional District, Chilliwack Heritage Park, Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association, BCHL and regional tourism organizations.