> ## 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 TOP STORIES - URL: https://www.upperfraservalley.news/todays-top-stories-4/ - Published: 2026-10-28T16:44:58.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-28T16:48:33.000Z - Description: Today we cover the Lytton mayoral result, Cheam First Nation business opportunity, Community Futures leadership appointment, Hope vehicle thefts, and the extraordinary Fraser River sturgeon catch. - Author: Editorial Team - Tags: Chilliwack, Cheam First Nation, Nicola Harris, Community Futures South Fraser, Kevin Estrada, Young at Heart Seniors Expo, Agassiz, Kent, Harrison Mills, Jennifer Thoss, Boston Bar First Nation **Wednesday, October 28, 2026** The result ends ten days of electoral uncertainty and puts new leadership in place as Lytton continues rebuilding after the devastating 2021 wildfire. Elsewhere, Cheam First Nation is seeking business proposals for its former farm-market property, Community Futures South Fraser has appointed a new executive director, and Hope RCMP are investigating several vehicle thefts. Positive developments include an extraordinary Fraser River sturgeon catch, the arrival of eagle-watching season in Harrison Mills, and a major Chilliwack community fundraiser approaching its opening. # **CHILLIWACK & ROSEDALE** ### **Cheam First Nation seeks proposals for former farm market** Cheam First Nation is inviting entrepreneurs to submit proposals to lease the former Xwchíyò:m Market property at **10235 Agassiz-Rosedale Highway**. The opportunity includes approximately 2,165 square feet of retail space and an associated parking area. Applications are open to Cheam members and the general public, although proposals from band members will receive additional consideration. The market closed in July as Cheam Enterprises reconsidered how the property could support sustainable economic development. The initiative could create a new business, employment opportunities and additional commercial activity along the Agassiz-Rosedale corridor. Proposals must be submitted by **Sunday, November 1**. No new tenant or business operator has been selected. ### **Nicola Harris appointed executive director of Community Futures South Fraser** Community Futures South Fraser has appointed Fraser Valley entrepreneur Nicola Harris as its new executive director. Harris brings more than 20 years of leadership and business-development experience, including directing a provincial program that supported more than 2,200 entrepreneurs. She previously worked with Community Futures on Project Restart and the Startup Challenge. Community Futures provides business financing, advisory services and mentorship to entrepreneurs in Chilliwack and Abbotsford. Its leadership will influence support for startups, small-business expansion and local economic development. ### **Female angler lands enormous 11-foot-4-inch Fraser River sturgeon** Chilliwack-based fishing guide Sturgeon Slayers is celebrating an extraordinary catch after a female guest landed an **11-foot, four-inch white sturgeon** during a recent Fraser River excursion. Guide Kevin Estrada reported that the fish had never been tagged. The team documented its measurements, attached a conservation tag and released it back into the river. The guiding company believes the catch ranks among the largest freshwater fish landed by a female angler, although that ranking has not been independently verified. The catch highlights the Fraser River's international appeal for sportfishing while contributing to white sturgeon conservation efforts. ### **Chilliwack hosts free Young at Heart Seniors Expo** The Young at Heart Seniors Expo takes place today at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA. The free event brings together businesses, healthcare-related service providers, and community organizations that offer products, information, and resources for older adults. Visitors can explore services that support independent living, health, wellness, and community participation. The expo connects seniors and their families with local services while providing businesses an opportunity to reach an important and growing consumer market. ### **Chilliwack reminds residents that consumer fireworks are prohibited** With Halloween approaching, the City of Chilliwack is reminding residents that consumer fireworks and firecrackers are prohibited under its municipal fireworks regulations. The restrictions apply within city limits even when fireworks have been purchased elsewhere. The municipality warns that unauthorized fireworks can cause fires, property damage, injuries and significant disturbances to residents and animals. The reminder is particularly relevant during Halloween celebrations and provides important information for families, property owners and businesses. ### **Major Rotary book sale returns November 1** The Rotary Club of Chilliwack is preparing for its annual indoor book sale at Chilliwack Heritage Park, running November 1–7. The event will feature tens of thousands of donated books and other materials, including puzzles, records, CDs and DVDs. Proceeds support scholarships, literacy programs, food security and other community projects. The book sale is one of Chilliwack's largest volunteer-driven fundraising initiatives, generating substantial support for local organizations and community improvements. # **AGASSIZ & DISTRICT OF KENT** ### **Municipal decisions remain on the editorial watchlist** The District of Kent has posted council highlights from its October 26 meeting. Two decisions require follow-up: the proposed mixed-animal veterinary clinic at 5402 Lougheed Highway and the municipality's proposed 2027 nonprofit property-tax exemptions. The District's latest council highlights were listed on its website this morning, but the complete decisions could not be independently verified from the accessible material. No approval or rejection is being reported until the actual council decisions can be confirmed. # **HARRISON HOT SPRINGS & HARRISON MILLS** ### **Eagle-watching season begins in the Harrison River Valley** The Harrison-Agassiz Chamber of Commerce is highlighting the annual bald eagle migration along the Harrison River. Thousands of eagles gather in the region during fall and winter to feed on spawning salmon, creating one of North America's most remarkable wildlife-viewing opportunities. Recommended viewing areas include the Eagle Interpretive Trail at Sandpiper Resort, Kilby Provincial Park and Eagle Point Community Park near the Chehalis Estuary. Eagle watching is an important seasonal tourism attraction, supporting accommodations, restaurants, guiding companies and other businesses during the quieter fall and winter months. # **HOPE** ### **Hope RCMP investigate multiple vehicle thefts and break-ins** Hope RCMP are reporting a series of vehicle thefts across the community, including incidents on Willow Street, Douglas Street, Park Street, and Third Avenue. Police also investigated a vehicle stolen from Fraser Avenue that was recovered later the same day. A separate investigation involves the reported theft of a motorhome from a storage yard on Flood-Hope Road. The incidents affect residential neighbourhoods and commercial property owners throughout Hope. Investigations remain underway. Police are reminding residents to lock vehicles, remove valuables and use well-lit parking areas. ### **Final days to enter Hope Trails Challenge** The 2026 Hope Trails Challenge concludes Friday, October 30, giving outdoor enthusiasts their final opportunity to submit eligible hiking entries. The initiative encourages participants to explore designated trails around Hope and submit photographic proof of their hikes. Each qualifying trail entry provides another opportunity to win a prize package that includes a $250 Hope Outdoors gift card and participation in a Hope Mountain Centre program. The challenge promotes outdoor recreation, introduces visitors to lesser-known trails and supports Hope's reputation as an adventure-tourism destination. # **FRASER CANYON** ### **Jennifer Thoss becomes Lytton mayor after judicial recount and random draw** Jennifer Thoss has been declared the new mayor of Lytton following an extraordinary conclusion to the community's municipal election. A judicial recount Tuesday confirmed that Thoss and incumbent Denise O'Connor each received exactly 45 votes in the October 17 election. With the tie unresolved, a drawing of lots was conducted before a provincial court judge in Kamloops. Thoss' name was selected, ending O'Connor's term as mayor. The leadership change comes as Lytton continues rebuilding after the 2021 wildfire. Thoss has previously raised concerns about the financial sustainability of the community's rebuilding and infrastructure plans. The inaugural council meeting is scheduled for **November 3 at 7 p.m.** ### **Lytton seeks public input on five-year economic strategy** The Village of Lytton is asking residents and stakeholders to help shape a new economic development strategy to guide the community over the next five years. The initiative will identify opportunities for business development, economic diversification and employment as the Village works to rebuild its economy and population. Economic development is closely connected to Lytton's long-term financial sustainability. Attracting businesses, residents and investment will be critical to supporting municipal services and newly rebuilt infrastructure. Public survey submissions are being accepted until **November 5**. ### **Boston Bar First Nation invites region to Halloween celebration** Boston Bar First Nation is hosting a community Halloween celebration Friday, October 30, at its longhouse. The event will feature games, children's activities, treats, wellness-themed stations and door prizes. Organizers are welcoming families from Boston Bar, Hope and neighbouring Fraser Canyon communities. The gathering provides a positive opportunity for families and neighbouring communities to connect while highlighting community programming in a smaller Fraser Canyon community. **Primary sources:** Village of Lytton, District of Kent, City of Chilliwack, Community Futures South Fraser, Rotary Club of Chilliwack, Tourism Harrison River Valley, Tourism Hope Cascades & Canyons and Hope Mountain Centre.