> ## 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. # Upper Fraser Valley News Roundup - URL: https://www.upperfraservalley.news/upper-fraser-valley-news-roundup-13/ - Published: 2026-10-14T17:45:28.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-14T17:45:28.000Z - Description: The MRI proposal and Bradley Centre redevelopment concern long-term access to healthcare for residents throughout the eastern Fraser Valley. - Author: Editorial Team - Tags: Agassiz, Chilliwack, Rosedale, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Fraser Canyon, MRI, Chilliwack General Hospital, Cheam First Nation **Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Morning Edition** **Coverage: Chilliwack, Rosedale, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope and Fraser Canyon** ### **Today's Top Stories** **Healthcare is emerging as a major election issue in Chilliwack**, with renewed pressure for a permanent MRI machine and restoration of the Bradley Centre redevelopment. Police are investigating an incident that left a man injured near Barber Park, while Rosedale-area First Nation youth are celebrating the opening of new recreational facilities. Municipal advance voting takes place today in Chilliwack and Hope. In Harrison Hot Springs, a council candidate's attempted withdrawal has created an unusual election situation. Today's roundup contains **15 local stories and developments**, emphasizing reporting published October 12–14, with upcoming events and earlier notices clearly identified. ## **CHILLIWACK & ROSEDALE** ### **Healthcare advocates renew push for MRI machine at Chilliwack General Hospital** The campaign to bring permanent MRI services to Chilliwack General Hospital gained renewed attention this morning when Leanna Kemp, chair of the local MRI task force, said the project has completed its initial planning and feasibility stages but remains stalled awaiting provincial approval. Mayoral candidate Jason Lum also called Tuesday for provincial candidates to support an MRI and reinstate the deferred Bradley Centre redevelopment, which would replace a 90-bed facility with a proposed 200-bed long-term care centre. Patients from Chilliwack, Agassiz, Hope and surrounding communities often travel to Abbotsford for MRI examinations. Both proposals could improve regional healthcare access and reduce pressure on existing hospital services. Provincial funding and approval remain unresolved. ### **Chilliwack RCMP seek witnesses after man injured near Barber Park** Chilliwack RCMP are asking witnesses to come forward following an incident near Barber Park on Henley Drive that left an adult man injured on September 30. Investigators want to speak with anyone who was in the area between approximately 2:30 and 3 p.m. and may have witnessed an altercation, observed someone lying on a roadway or pathway, or captured relevant video. Police have yet to release a detailed account of what happened. Anyone with information can contact Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611, referencing file 2026-44531. ### **Cheam First Nation celebrates opening of new hockey box and basketball court** Young people in the Xwchíyò:m (Cheam) First Nation community near Rosedale have a new place to play following the grand opening of a hockey box and basketball court. The project was made possible through contributions from community members, sponsors and project partners, creating additional recreational opportunities for local youth. Community recreation infrastructure supports physical activity, youth engagement and opportunities for families to gather. ### **Restorative justice services preparing to resume in Chilliwack** Chilliwack council has unanimously approved $86,373 for the Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association to re-establish restorative justice services following the dissolution of the previous local organization in 2025. A new report says the service provider has the capacity to begin immediately, with plans to recruit volunteers, establish referral relationships and build a sustainable local program. Restorative justice provides police and Crown prosecutors with another option for eligible cases, emphasizing accountability, repairing harm and meaningful resolution. ### **Provincial election candidates face Chilliwack business community** Candidates from Chilliwack North and Chilliwack-Cultus Lake were invited to participate in a nonpartisan provincial election forum organized by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday evening. The forum offered residents and business owners an opportunity to hear candidates discuss their priorities ahead of the October 24 provincial election. Provincial decisions affecting healthcare, transportation, education and business development will have direct consequences for the Upper Fraser Valley. A recording link was provided by the organizers; candidate attendance and individual statements should be checked against the recording before being reported as confirmed positions. ### **Final municipal advance voting underway today in Chilliwack** Chilliwack residents have their final opportunity to vote early in the municipal election today, October 14, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Chilliwack Heritage Park. The deadline to request a mail-ballot package is also today at 4 p.m. General voting takes place Saturday, October 17, with polling locations including Rosedale Traditional Community School. Voters will choose a mayor, six councillors and seven school trustees, while eligible electors will also select Cultus Lake Park Board representatives. ### **Free Family Resource Fair brings community services together today** Chilliwack Secondary School is hosting a free Family Resource Fair and Dinner this afternoon from 4–6 p.m. Families can connect with local organizations providing assistance with mental health, parenting, substance-use challenges, grief, housing, food security and other needs. The event provides a convenient way for residents to discover services and meet organizations that support children, youth and families. ## **AGASSIZ & DISTRICT OF KENT** ### **Kent council candidate proposes tax freeze, affordable housing and new bridge** District of Kent council candidate Desi Naidoo has released a campaign platform calling for a two-year municipal property tax pause, more affordable housing, and commercial development. His proposals also include a walkable downtown cultural district, advocacy for a four-lane Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge, expanded healthcare facilities and improved public transportation. Property taxes, housing affordability, transportation and economic development are major issues for Kent residents. These are campaign proposals rather than approved municipal policies, and their financial feasibility has not been independently established. ### **Kent prepares special voting opportunities for seniors** The District of Kent has arranged special voting opportunities Friday, October 16, at four local seniors' residences. Voting will be available to eligible residents at Hazelnut Grove, Dogwood Manor, Glenwood Seniors Community/Logan Manor and Agassiz Seniors Community. Bringing polling opportunities directly to seniors' residences helps residents with mobility or transportation challenges participate in municipal democracy. General voting takes place October 17 at Agassiz Agricultural Hall. ## **HARRISON HOT SPRINGS & HARRISON MILLS** ### **Harrison council candidate withdraws from campaign but remains on ballot** Harrison Hot Springs council candidate Wendy Baldwin has announced that she is no longer actively seeking election after receiving personal information that she said created significant challenges. According to reporting published Tuesday, Baldwin applied to withdraw her candidacy after the September 18 deadline and will therefore remain on the October 17 ballot. Voters may still see Baldwin's name among the candidates even though she has publicly ended her campaign. Any further clarification from election officials should be reported before voting day. ### **Kilby Historic Site prepares paranormal investigation evenings** Kilby Historic Site is preparing its *Bumps in the Night* paranormal investigation experience beginning Friday, October 16. Participants will explore five areas of the historic General Store and Hotel with investigators from Cornerstone Paranormal and learn about equipment used in paranormal investigations. The event offers an unusual way to introduce visitors to Harrison Mills' heritage while supporting local tourism and historic-site operations. ## **HOPE** ### **Hope hosts fifth annual Inclusion Fair today** Fraser Cascade School District 78 is holding an Inclusion Fair today from 4–6 p.m. at Spirit of Hope Secondary School, 444 Stuart Street. The community event focuses on connecting students with disabilities and their families with information, resources and support. Families in smaller communities can face challenges accessing specialized services. Events that bring resources together locally can improve awareness and connections. **Event:** October 14, 2026. **Othello Road construction begins today** The District of Hope has scheduled asphalt grinding on Othello Road today, followed by paving Thursday, October 15. Work is expected to begin around 9 a.m. both days, with single-lane alternating traffic maintained. The project will affect travel through a residential and recreational corridor east of downtown Hope. Motorists should expect delays, and the construction schedule remains weather-dependent. ### **Hope voters head to final advance poll today** Hope residents can vote in the municipal election today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the 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. General voting takes place Saturday. Incumbent Mayor Victor Smith has been elected by acclamation, leaving voters to choose six councillors from 11 candidates. ## **FRASER CANYON** ### **Boston Bar and North Bend residents to vote on future of television service** Eligible residents in the Boston Bar and North Bend television service area will vote on Saturday, October 17, on whether to discontinue the regional television service. The Fraser Valley Regional District is asking voters whether they support adopting Repeal Bylaw No. 1829, which would end the service area. This is a direct decision about community service affecting a small, geographically isolated population. A **YES** vote supports ending e service; a **NO** vote supports its continuation. Voting takes place at Canyon Lanes Bowling Alley, 47585 Trans-Canada Highway. ## **DEVELOPING STORIES** **Healthcare:** The Chilliwack MRI proposal and deferred Bradley Centre redevelopment deserve sustained coverage. The key questions are whether provincial candidates will commit to the projects, what funding is required and when construction could begin. **Public safety:** Chilliwack RCMP continue seeking witnesses to the Barber Park incident. Police also confirmed this morning that an officer escaped injury when a patrol vehicle left Elk View Road and went down an embankment on October 11. **Municipal elections:** October 17 is three days away. Coverage should prioritize confirmed candidate positions, voting information and any changes affecting the ballot. **Transportation:** The Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge rehabilitation remains a major infrastructure project. No new significant closure announcement was verified this morning. **Hope and Fraser Canyon:** Othello Road construction begins today, while Kawkawa Lake sewer-main cleaning is scheduled for Thursday. The Boston Bar television referendum deserves particular attention because of its direct effect on a small rural community. Sources include Fraser Valley Today, Fraser Valley News Network, Fraser Valley Current, Black Press Media reporting indexed by Muck Rack, and official municipal, school district, and community organization announcements.