> ## 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-15/ - Published: 2026-10-16T16:02:52.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-16T16:02:52.000Z - Description: Today’s stories include the District 1881 break-in investigation, followed by the Chilliwack mayoral campaign, Chamber leadership transition and Hope Search and Rescue operations. - Author: Editorial Team - Tags: Chilliwack, District 1881, Municipal Election, Jason Lum, Martina Rosini, Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, Jason Metcalfe, Rotary Club of Chilliwack, Sardis Secondary, Agassiz, CPKC Holiday Train, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Fraser Canyon **Friday, October 16, 2026 | Morning Edition** **Coverage:** Chilliwack, Rosedale, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope and Fraser Canyon. ### **Today's Leading Stories** **Municipal elections dominate the Upper Fraser Valley this weekend**, with residents heading to the polls Saturday. Chilliwack's mayoral campaign has entered a contentious final stretch, while police are seeking information about a break-in at a District 1881 business. In Hope and Boston Bar, search-and-rescue volunteers responded to two emergencies on the same day. Meanwhile, Chilliwack's business community has a new interim Chamber of Commerce CEO, and one of Western Canada's largest charity book sales is preparing to return. ## **CHILLIWACK & ROSEDALE** ### **RCMP seek public assistance following District 1881 coffee shop break-in** Chilliwack RCMP are asking residents to help identify a person of interest following an October 5 break-and-enter at a coffee shop on Yale Road in District 1881\. Police say the business sustained damage and items were reported missing. Investigators have released surveillance images showing a man wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans and black shoes while pulling a folding wagon. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611, referencing file 2026-44591. Property crime affecting downtown businesses remains a concern as District 1881 continues to develop into a major commercial and entertainment destination. ### **Chilliwack mayoral campaign turns contentious over disputed allegations** Mayoral candidate and current councillor Jason Lum has rejected allegations raised by rival candidate Martina Rosini and the Conservative Electors Association concerning his previous business activities. The association has called for an independent investigation into alleged conflicts of interest involving a company with which Lum was formerly associated. Lum disputes the accusations and has challenged his opponents to substantiate them. The disagreement has become a significant campaign issue just before Saturday's vote, raising questions about transparency, political accountability and the standards expected of candidates. The allegations have not been independently established. They should not be discussed as proven misconduct. ### **New interim Chamber CEO outlines plans to strengthen Chilliwack business community** Jason Metcalfe, the newly appointed interim CEO of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, has outlined his priorities following the departure of longtime CEO Leanna Kemp. Metcalfe brings experience in real estate development, hospitality, operations and economic development. In a published statement, he emphasized listening to members, improving the Chamber's value proposition and strengthening its advocacy for local businesses. **Why it matters:** The Chamber plays an important role in representing business interests during a period of municipal infrastructure investment, downtown redevelopment and economic uncertainty. ### **Chilliwack Rotary Book Sale returns with 15,000 additional items** The Rotary Club of Chilliwack has announced that its 42nd annual book sale will return to Heritage Park from November 1–7, featuring approximately 85,000 books and other donated items. An additional 15,000 items will be available after the organization's summer outdoor sale was cancelled because of poor weather. The event raises more than $100,000 annually for scholarships, literacy initiatives and community projects. **Why it matters:** This is one of Chilliwack's largest recurring volunteer-driven fundraisers, with proceeds supporting programs throughout the community. Admission is free, and the sale operates daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on November 6. ### **Sardis Secondary celebrates 70 years and major school expansion today** Sardis Secondary School celebrates its 70th anniversary today with a community open house from 4–7 p.m. The celebration includes tours of the school's recently completed two-storey mass-timber addition, which provides space for 400 additional students. The expansion increases capacity to 1,600 students and has allowed the district to remove 11 portable classrooms. The expansion represents a significant investment in permanent educational facilities as Chilliwack continues experiencing population growth. ### **Major farm auction and free community dinner coming to Heritage Park** Beekman Auctions is preparing a two-day agricultural equipment auction at Chilliwack Heritage Park on October 21–22. Equipment viewing takes place Wednesday, October 21, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a free community dinner beginning at 5 p.m. Online bidding closes throughout the following day. **Why it matters:** Agricultural equipment auctions connect farmers, equipment dealers and rural businesses while reinforcing Chilliwack's position as an important agricultural-service centre. ### **Cultus Lake charity trail race returns Saturday** The 23rd annual Around the Lake Give'R Take 30 trail race takes place Saturday, October 17, beginning at Cultus Lake Main Beach. The event features a 30-kilometre solo race, a two-person relay and a one-kilometre children's race. Organizers say last year's event raised more than $11,000 for local organizations and scholarships. The race supports community causes while attracting athletes, families and visitors to the Cultus Lake area. ### **Chilliwack voters head to polls Saturday; free transit confirmed** Municipal voting takes place Saturday, October 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at five Chilliwack locations, including Heritage Park, Chilliwack Landing Sports Centre, Cultus Lake Community School, Yarrow Community School and Rosedale Traditional Community School. BC Transit has confirmed free local Chilliwack transit on municipal election day and again on the October 24 provincial election day. **Route 66 Fraser Valley Express is excluded** from both free-fare arrangements. Free local transportation can help residents without vehicles participate in the elections. ## **AGASSIZ & DISTRICT OF KENT** ### **Special voting opportunities underway today at four seniors' residences** The District of Kent is providing special municipal voting opportunities today at Hazelnut Grove, Dogwood Manor, Glenwood Seniors Community/Logan Manor and Agassiz Seniors Community. The sessions run at different times between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and are restricted to eligible residents of the designated facilities. Bringing voting opportunities directly to seniors' residences helps residents with mobility and transportation challenges participate in local democracy. ### **Five candidates compete for four Kent council seats Saturday** Kent residents will elect four councillors from five candidates: Jed Koning, Desi Naidoo, Duane Post, Kerstin Schwichtenberg and Stan Watchorn. Voting takes place Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Agassiz Agricultural Hall, 6800 Pioneer Avenue. Eligible residents will also vote for Agassiz-Harrison school trustees. The next council will oversee decisions involving agricultural development, infrastructure, housing, municipal taxation and community services. ### **CPKC Holiday Train announces December stops in Agassiz and Fraser Canyon** The CPKC Holiday Train 2026 will return to Agassiz on Saturday, December 19, with a performance scheduled for 5:45 p.m. at 6800 Pioneer Avenue. The train will also stop in Lytton earlier that day, from 11:30–11:55 a.m. Performers include the Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling. The Holiday Train combines entertainment with fundraising and food collection for local food banks, supporting families experiencing food insecurity. ## **HARRISON HOT SPRINGS** ### **Harrison prepares to elect mayor and four councillors Saturday** Residents of Harrison Hot Springs will vote Saturday, October 17, at Memorial Hall, 290 Esplanade, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The mayoral contest includes Cassandra Manley, incumbent Fred Talen and former mayor Ed Wood. Council candidate Wendy Baldwin remains listed on the ballot despite publicly announcing that she has stopped campaigning. The election will determine the Village's leadership on infrastructure, tourism, environmental protection, development and municipal finances. The Village reports that 332 ballots were cast during advance voting on October 7. ## **HOPE** ### **Hope Search and Rescue responds to two emergencies in one day** Hope Search and Rescue volunteers responded to two separate incidents Wednesday, October 14. The first involved a vehicle that had gone down an embankment near Boston Bar. Later that day, volunteers rescued an injured hiker from Serpent's Back Trail, carrying the person down steep terrain to a waiting ambulance. The incidents demonstrate the importance of volunteer rescue organizations in the mountainous terrain surrounding Hope and the Fraser Canyon. The condition of the driver involved in the Boston Bar incident has not been publicly confirmed. ### **Hope prepares for Saturday's municipal election** The District of Hope will hold general municipal voting Saturday, October 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hope Royal Canadian Legion Branch 228 Hall, 344 Fort Street. Mayor Victor Smith has been elected by acclamation, leaving residents to select six councillors from 11 candidates. With the mayoral position already decided, the election will determine the council responsible for infrastructure investment, housing, taxation and economic development. ## **FRASER CANYON** ### **Boston Bar and North Bend residents vote Saturday on future of television service** Eligible residents of Boston Bar, North Bend and the designated Canyon Alpine service area will vote Saturday on whether to discontinue their regional television service. The Fraser Valley Regional District is asking voters whether they support adopting Repeal Bylaw No. 1829, which would end the existing television-service area. This is a direct decision about a locally provided service affecting geographically isolated Fraser Canyon communities. A **YES** vote supports ending the service; a **NO** vote supports its continuation. ## **DEVELOPING STORIES** **Chilliwack municipal election:** The disputed allegations involving mayoral candidate Jason Lum warrant careful follow-up. Any subsequent investigation, documentary evidence or official response should be distinguished from campaign statements. **District 1881 break-in:** Police continue seeking information about the person captured on surveillance footage. No arrest was confirmed in the reporting reviewed. **Municipal election results:** Preliminary results are expected after polls close Saturday at 8 p.m. The most significant results to track will be Chilliwack's mayoral race, Harrison Hot Springs' mayoral contest, the Kent council election and Hope's council composition. **Boston Bar television referendum:** The result will determine whether the FVRD proceeds with ending the designated television service. **Regional healthcare:** The proposed permanent MRI installation at Chilliwack General Hospital and deferred Bradley Centre redevelopment remain important regional issues ahead of the October 24 provincial election. **Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge:** The ongoing rehabilitation remains a major transportation concern. No substantial new closure announcement was verified this morning.