Chilliwack
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Morning EditionCoverage: Chilliwack, Rosedale, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope and Fraser Canyon
Today's Leading Stories
Municipal election day has arrived across the Upper Fraser Valley. Voters are choosing new councils and school trustees, with Chilliwack and Harrison Hot Springs facing contested mayoral races. Kent and Hope already know who their mayors will be, but voters will determine the composition of their councils.
Away from the polls, Hope RCMP have arrested two commercial truck drivers following a drug investigation, a fall storm threatens travel through mountain passes, and a new report highlights the success of two Chilliwack hospitality businesses.
Today's roundup contains 14 verified local stories and developments, prioritizing October 16 reporting and today's events. Earlier stories are included only where they remain locally significant or time-sensitive.
CHILLIWACK & ROSEDALE
Chilliwack voters choose new mayor and council today
With incumbent Mayor Ken Popove retiring, Chilliwack residents will elect a new mayor from four candidates: Jason Lum, Gary Raddysh, Martina Rosini and Farooque Syed. Voters will also select six councillors, seven school trustees and two Cultus Lake Park Board commissioners.
Five polling locations are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including Chilliwack Heritage Park, Chilliwack Landing Sports Centre, Cultus Lake Community School, Rosedale Traditional Community School and Yarrow Community School.
Today's results will shape decisions on taxation, housing, infrastructure, public safety and development for the next four years.
Chilliwack hosts blood donation clinic today
Canadian Blood Services is encouraging eligible residents to donate blood at a mobile collection event today.
The clinic runs from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at 6300 Tyson Road, inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mobile collection events make donating blood more accessible to residents who would otherwise need to travel outside Chilliwack.
Chilliwack entrepreneur builds two thriving hospitality businesses in District 1881
A new profile in Fraser Valley Current tells the story of entrepreneur Jade Lehti, who initially declined an opportunity to operate The Grand Hall in downtown Chilliwack before reconsidering.
Lehti and her husband Cory now operate both The Grand Hall and Hotel Morado in District 1881. The Grand Hall hosted more than 160 events in 2025 and was approaching approximately 190 bookings for 2026 when the interview took place.
The businesses demonstrate how downtown redevelopment can create opportunities for independent entrepreneurs while attracting weddings, meetings and visitors to Chilliwack.
St. Mary's Elementary announces return of Oktoberfest fundraiser
St. Mary's Elementary School is preparing its seventh annual Oktoberfest fundraiser for Saturday, November 7.
The adults-only dinner and dance will feature Bavarian food, desserts, live music from S-Bahn and opportunities for local businesses to participate through sponsorships.
School fundraisers provide financial support for educational activities while bringing parents, businesses and community members together.
Major agricultural auction expected to draw thousands to Heritage Park
Beekman Auctions is preparing its fall agricultural equipment sale at Chilliwack Heritage Park on October 21–22.
The October 21 preview day will feature hundreds of tractors, skid steers and agricultural implements, followed by a free community dinner at 5 p.m. Organizers estimate that between 1,000 and 1,500 people typically attend the dinner.
The auction supports the Fraser Valley's agricultural economy, connecting farmers with equipment suppliers and generating business for local service providers.
Provincial advance voting begins as municipal election concludes
Advance voting for the October 24 provincial election began Friday, October 16, creating an unusual overlap between two election campaigns.
Chilliwack voters will choose representatives for Chilliwack North and Chilliwack-Cultus Lake next Saturday. Eligible residents can vote at provincial advance-voting locations, but should confirm the appropriate location and operating dates through Elections BC.
Provincial decisions affecting healthcare, education, housing and transportation have direct implications for the Upper Fraser Valley.
AGASSIZ & DISTRICT OF KENT
Kent residents elect four councillors today
Residents of the District of Kent are voting today to fill four council seats.
Five candidates are competing: Jed Koning, Desi Naidoo, Duane Post, Kerstin Schwichtenberg and Stan Watchorn. Susan Spaeti has already been elected mayor by acclamation.
Voting takes place at Agassiz Agricultural Hall, 6800 Pioneer Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Kent's next council will oversee important decisions involving agriculture, housing, infrastructure, municipal finances and regional transportation.
Proposed veterinary clinic remains important agricultural development
Kent council is scheduled to consider a zoning amendment October 26 that would allow a mixed-animal veterinary clinic at 5402 Lougheed Highway.
The proposed facility would operate within a new agricultural building on an 8.2-hectare property, alongside agricultural activities and dog boarding.
Additional veterinary services could benefit livestock producers, farmers, and pet owners while creating another agricultural service business.
Written public comments are being accepted until 12:30 p.m. October 26.
HARRISON HOT SPRINGS
Three-way mayoral contest heads to the polls
Residents of Harrison Hot Springs are voting today for a mayor, four councillors and three Agassiz-Harrison school trustees.
The mayoral contest features Cassandra Manley, incumbent Fred Talen and former mayor Ed Wood. Council candidate Wendy Baldwin remains listed on the ballot despite announcing earlier this week that she would stop campaigning.
Harrison's next council will face decisions involving tourism, infrastructure, housing, environmental protection and municipal finances.
Voting takes place at Memorial Hall, 290 Esplanade, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
HOPE
Two commercial truck drivers arrested following suspected heroin investigation
Hope RCMP have arrested two commercial truck drivers following a complaint about suspected drug use involving a semi-truck on Flood Hope Road.
Police say officers located suspected heroin, open liquor and unstamped tobacco during their investigation. Both men received 24-hour driving prohibitions, their licences were seized and the commercial vehicle was secured.
Suspected drug impairment among commercial vehicle operators raises significant highway safety concerns, particularly around Hope's major transportation corridors.
The investigation remains active, and any charges are subject to assessment by the BC Prosecution Service.
Court upholds financial award following Hope Corvette test-drive crash
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has dismissed an appeal involving a customer who damaged a Corvette during a 2024 test drive from a Hope dealership.
According to reporting from the Hope Standard, the customer remains responsible for $17,182.23 in repair costs, depreciation and interest.
The decision highlights the financial responsibilities that can arise when a customer damages a vehicle during a dealership test drive.
Hope voters choose six councillors today
The District of Hope is holding its municipal election today, with 11 candidates competing for six council positions.
Incumbent Mayor Victor Smith has been elected by acclamation and will serve another term. Voting takes place at the Hope Royal Canadian Legion Branch 228 Hall, 344 Fort Street, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The results will determine which council is responsible for Hope's economic development, infrastructure, municipal taxation, and community services.
FRASER CANYON & REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
Fall storm threatens Coquihalla and Highway 3 travel
Environment Canada issued a special weather statement Friday afternoon warning of deteriorating conditions across several southern British Columbia mountain highways.
The forecast calls for gusty winds reaching 60–80 km/h and falling snow levels, potentially affecting the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Kamloops and Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton.
These highways are major commercial and passenger transportation corridors. Sudden weather changes could create slippery driving conditions, fallen branches and localized power disruptions.
Travellers should monitor current highway conditions and weather alerts before departing.
Boston Bar and North Bend vote on future of television service
Eligible residents in Boston Bar, North Bend and Canyon Alpine are voting today 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.
A YES vote supports ending the service; a NO vote supports its continuation.
The referendum directly affects a service provided to geographically isolated Fraser Canyon communities.
Results will determine whether the regional district proceeds with ending the service.
WATCHLIST
Municipal election results: Tonight's most consequential developments will be the Chilliwack and Harrison Hot Springs mayoral results, new council compositions in Kent and Hope, school trustee elections and the Boston Bar television referendum.
Hope commercial trucking investigation: Police have not announced final charge decisions involving the two arrested truck drivers. Any subsequent charges or court proceedings warrant follow-up.
Regional transportation: The mountain highway weather statement requires attention throughout the weekend. Actual road closures should be confirmed through current highway advisories before publication.
Chilliwack business development: The success of The Grand Hall and Hotel Morado illustrates the continuing economic effects of District 1881. The upcoming Beekman Auctions event also warrants coverage for its connection to agriculture and local commerce.
Agassiz agricultural development: The proposed veterinary clinic returns to Kent council October 26.
Members Discussion