Chilliwack
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | Morning Edition
Today's leading developments: A Harrison Hot Springs council candidate has announced she is stepping away from campaigning just days before the municipal election. Chilliwack's school board meets tonight for what may be the final regular meeting for three departing trustees, while Hope council will consider a downtown rezoning application.
There is also an important but easily overlooked Fraser Canyon election issue: Boston Bar and North Bend residents will vote Saturday on whether to end their regional television service.
Tomorrow brings municipal advance voting, road construction in Hope and a family-services event in Chilliwack.
Chilliwack & Rosedale
Chilliwack school board meets tonight as three trustees prepare to depart
The Chilliwack School District 33 Board of Education meets tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the district office, 8430 Cessna Drive. With Saturday's election approaching, this is expected to be the final regular board meeting for outgoing trustees Carin Bondar, Richard Procee and Teri Westerby, who have decided not to seek re-election.
All three published farewell messages reflecting on their service, with Bondar highlighting inclusion and Indigenous education, Westerby emphasizing collaboration and governance, and Procee thanking those involved in public education.
Eighteen candidates are competing for seven trustee positions, guaranteeing changes in school board leadership.
Only two advance-voting locations announced for Chilliwack North provincial riding
Voters in the Chilliwack North provincial riding will have two designated advance-voting locations ahead of the October 24 provincial election.
Evergreen Hall, 9291 Corbould Street, will offer advance voting October 16–21, while Rosedale Traditional School, 50850 Yale Road, will offer voting October 19–21. Both locations will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on their scheduled days.
The candidates are Adila Shaukat of the NDP, Dan Grice of CentreBC and Conservative incumbent Heather Maahs.
The limited number of locations makes advance planning particularly important for residents of Rosedale, Greendale, Popkum and other communities within the riding. Elections BC notes that eligible voters may use any provincial advance-voting location.
Chilliwack's final municipal advance vote takes place Wednesday
The City of Chilliwack will hold its second and final municipal advance-voting session tomorrow, October 14, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Chilliwack Heritage Park.
Wednesday is also the deadline to request a municipal mail-ballot package, with applications closing at 4 p.m. General voting takes place Saturday, October 17, at five locations, including Rosedale Traditional Community School.
Chilliwack voters will elect a new mayor, six councillors and seven school trustees. The separate provincial election on October 24 makes it particularly important for residents to distinguish between the two voting processes.
Free Family Resource Fair brings community services together Wednesday
A free Family Resource Fair and Dinner will take place Wednesday, October 14, from 4–6 p.m. at Chilliwack Secondary School.
The event brings together local organizations offering assistance with mental health, parenting, substance-use challenges, grief, housing, food security and other family needs. Participants can meet service providers and enjoy a complimentary meal.
Why it matters: Bringing multiple organizations into one location can help families access services they might otherwise struggle to find.
Chilliwack seniors will share their stories at Living Library fundraiser
A community storytelling event, The Living Library: The Stories of Chilliwack's Seniors, is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at 7 p.m.
The event at Bethel Netherlands Reformed Church will feature local seniors sharing their experiences, memories and personal histories. Proceeds will support Compassionate Neighbours, a nonprofit organization providing programs and assistance to older residents.
The event combines local history, intergenerational connections, and fundraising for senior support services. It is the kind of grassroots human-interest initiative that deserves greater regional attention
Chilliwack engineering-services procurement closes Wednesday
Chilliwack's expression of interest for engineering services related to its 2027 Linear Upgrades Project closes tomorrow, October 14, at 3 p.m.
The program involves preliminary engineering and design work for infrastructure improvements at 10 locations, with five additional provisional locations. The procurement is part of the City's preparation for its next municipal infrastructure investment cycle.
Engineering assignments provide an early indication of future construction activity and opportunities for consultants and contractors.
Procurement: Previously announced; deadline October 14, 2026.
Agassiz
Agricultural veterinary clinic proposal moves toward October 26 council decision
The District of Kent is considering a zoning amendment that would permit a mixed-animal veterinary clinic at 5402 Lougheed Highway.
The proposed clinic would occupy part of a new farm building on an 8.2-hectare property. Agricultural activities and dog boarding would also be accommodated within the proposed building.
The project could provide additional veterinary services to livestock producers and pet owners while supporting agricultural business development in the Agassiz area.
DEVELOPING: Council will consider the amendment October 26 at 6 p.m. Written public comments must be received by 12:30 p.m. that day.
Harrison Hot Springs
Harrison council candidate Wendy Baldwin announces end to campaign
Wendy Baldwin has announced she is stepping away from campaigning for a seat on Harrison Hot Springs council.
According to a report published Monday, Baldwin announced on October 11 via social media, citing personal reasons.
The announcement comes less than a week before residents elect four councillors and a mayor.
Important clarification: Baldwin remains listed among the candidates on the Village's published election page. Stepping away from campaigning should not be confused with confirmation that her name has been removed from the ballot.
Hope & Fraser Canyon
Hope council considers downtown zoning change tonight
The District of Hope will consider third reading of a zoning amendment affecting 280 Hudson Bay Street at tonight's regular council meeting.
The proposal would change the property's designation from Downtown Commercial to Commercial Transition to permit reconstruction of a single-family dwelling. A public hearing is prohibited under the applicable provincial rules because the proposal is consistent with the Official Community Plan and would permit residential development.
Although relatively modest, the application raises questions about how Hope accommodates residential uses in and around its downtown commercial district.
Council's decision is expected tonight.
Othello Road paving begins Wednesday
Hope's public works department is preparing to begin asphalt grinding on Othello Road tomorrow, October 14, followed by paving Thursday, October 15.
Work is expected to begin around 9 a.m. each day, with single-lane alternating traffic maintained. The schedule remains weather-dependent.
The work affects an important route serving residential and recreational areas east of downtown Hope. Motorists should allow extra travel time.
Hope advance voting Wednesday; mail-ballot deadline Thursday
Hope residents have another opportunity to vote in the municipal election tomorrow, October 14, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hope Royal Canadian Legion Branch 228 Hall, 344 Fort Street.
The deadline to request a mail-ballot package is Thursday, October 15, at 4 p.m. A special voting opportunity is also scheduled at Park Street Manor on October 15 for eligible residents, patients, visitors and employees.
Why it matters: With Mayor Victor Smith elected by acclamation, voters will determine the composition of Hope council for the next four years.
Regional Upper Fraser Valley
Boston Bar and North Bend voters face separate television-service referendum
Residents of Boston Bar and North Bend who are eligible to vote within the designated television-service area will have an additional question on their ballots Saturday, October 17.
The Fraser Valley Regional District is asking voters whether they support ending the Boston Bar and North Bend television service area through adoption of Repeal Bylaw No. 1829.
Voting will take place at Canyon Lanes, 47585 Trans-Canada Highway. An advance vote was held October 7.
Unlike the broader municipal elections, this referendum directly concerns the future of a specific local service in two small Fraser Canyon communities.
Editorial Watchlist — Developing Stories
Chilliwack municipal infrastructure: The proposed Young Road improvements between Airport Road and Luckakuck Way remain a major transportation project to follow. The next milestones involve engineering procurement, detailed design and eventual construction scheduling.
Downtown Chilliwack: The $7.2-million Main Street reconstruction remains important for local businesses. Actual construction commencement, parking restrictions and pedestrian access will be the next meaningful developments.
Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge: The approximately $33-million rehabilitation remains a regional infrastructure priority. No significant new closure or construction milestone was confirmed in this morning's research.
Harrison municipal election: Wendy Baldwin's decision to stop campaigning requires careful follow-up, particularly regarding her formal ballot status and any statement from election officials.
Hope and Fraser Canyon: The planned Hope community-services hub, the Boston Bar fire investigation and post-wildfire natural-hazard assessments remain important continuing files. No substantial new announcement was verified for those investigations or projects this morning.
Sources reviewed: Fraser Valley Today, Fraser Valley News Network, the City of Chilliwack, District of Kent, Village of Harrison Hot Springs, District of Hope, Fraser Valley Regional District, School District 33 and local community-event listings.
Members Discussion