The City of Abbotsford received an Innovative Safety Solution Award from the BC Municipal Safety Association for an approach to reducing asbestos exposure when crews cut older asbestos-cement pipes.

The City says workers developed a water-suppression attachment to keep the cutting area wet and reduce airborne dust. The process involved prototype testing, field demonstrations, occupational hygiene reviews and consultation with WorkSafeBC.

Third-party monitoring during demonstrations reportedly found no detectable asbestos fibres in the air samples tested, and WorkSafeBC permitted use of the modified tool with its procedure. Those results concern the reported tests, not a guarantee that asbestos work carries no risk. The award highlights an improvement in the maintenance of essential city infrastructure.

Source: City of Abbotsford. Abbotsford Local reporting based on the institution’s published announcement; no independent interview is claimed.

Related local coverage: Read about the police headquarters upgrade.

Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is planning a hybrid operating room that combines surgical facilities with advanced imaging. Fraser Health says it will support specialized vascular and minimally invasive procedures, including some treatments that use small incisions and image-guided instruments.

The project has an estimated $11-million provincial investment. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with patient benefits anticipated by the end of 2028. The new room is not yet open, and those dates remain projections.

For Fraser Valley patients, the potential benefit is access to more specialized procedures closer to home. The effect on wait times will depend on the services and staffing available when the facility opens.

Source: Fraser Health. Abbotsford Local reporting based on the institution’s published announcement; no independent interview is claimed.

Related local coverage: Learn about the hospital’s upgraded MRI service.

A new transit exchange near Highstreet Shopping Centre is intended to make connections easier for riders in west Abbotsford. Bus service was scheduled to begin September 6 at the facility on Highstreet Access Road, between Mt. Lehman Road and Cardinal Avenue.

The exchange opened with five bus bays for local and regional routes, including the Fraser Valley Express. Shelters, seating, lighting and bicycle racks were part of the initial improvements, while a sixth bay and other finishing work were planned.

The $8.1-million project received $3.2 million in provincial funding through BC Transit. Riders should consult current BC Transit schedules and alerts for their exact stop and route rather than relying on an opening announcement.

Source: City of Abbotsford. Abbotsford Local reporting based on the institution’s published announcement; no independent interview is claimed.

Related local coverage: See another change affecting Abbotsford households.

The Abbotsford Police Department headquarters expansion and renovation was completed in September, bringing an end to a project that began in 2022. The work combined a four-storey addition with renovations to the existing building.

The City reports a total project cost of $83.65 million. It says the updated facility provides more functional space for officers and civilian employees and capacity for a growing community.

The completion is a significant municipal infrastructure milestone, although a new building alone does not establish changes in crime or police response times. Those outcomes would need to be assessed separately using public performance information.

Source: City of Abbotsford. Abbotsford Local reporting based on the institution’s published announcement; no independent interview is claimed.

Related local coverage: Read the latest homelessness count.

Abbotsford’s newly elected council began its 2026–2030 term on November 3. In his inaugural address, Mayor Ross Siemens identified public safety, well-planned growth, housing, infrastructure and long-term flood mitigation among the priorities ahead.

Those themes touch daily life across the city, from road improvements and the cost of municipal services to housing supply and preparedness for severe weather. The mayor also pointed to implementation of infrastructure masterplans and the need to manage pressure on taxpayers.

An inaugural address sets direction rather than delivering projects on its own. Residents can follow council agendas and budgets to see how the commitments translate into specific decisions, spending and timelines.

Source: City of Abbotsford. Abbotsford Local reporting based on the institution’s published announcement; no independent interview is claimed.

Related local coverage: Meet Abbotsford’s city manager.

An upgraded MRI suite at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is now open, with improved imaging software and equipment designed to make scans faster and more comfortable.

Fraser Health says the $4.95-million project is expected to support more than 8,500 MRI scans annually, over 500 more than before. The Crystal Gala Foundation contributed $1 million alongside public and community funding partners.

MRI imaging helps clinicians investigate injuries and many medical conditions. The upgraded suite is expected to improve local access, though it does not mean every patient will receive an immediate appointment.

Source and credit: Reporting based on information published by Fraser Health. Abbotsford Local independently summarized the public announcement; no original interview is implied.

Seven trustees were sworn into the Abbotsford Board of Education on November 3 for the 2026–2030 term. Rhonda Pauls was chosen as chair, with Arsh Kaler serving as vice-chair.

The other trustees are Tanya Coghill, Freddy Latham, Eric Nyvall, Mike Rauch and Shannon Rose. The board helps guide a school district serving more than 20,000 students across 46 schools.

For families, trustee decisions help shape district priorities, resources and the direction of public education. The district says its 2024–2028 strategic plan remains a foundation for the board’s work.

Source and credit: Reporting based on information published by Abbotsford School District. Abbotsford Local independently summarized the public announcement; no original interview is implied.

Abbotsford’s October 7 point-in-time homelessness count identified 521 people, down from 654 in 2025. The City reports that 223 were in emergency shelters, 248 were unsheltered, 28 were in hospital without a fixed address and 22 were in transitional housing.

The decline of 133 people is notable, but a one-night count measures a minimum number rather than everyone who experiences homelessness over a year. The City attributes progress in part to coordinated housing and outreach efforts.

Work continues on Abbotsford’s Homelessness Action Plan. Even with a lower count, hundreds of residents were still without stable housing on the night surveyed.

Source and credit: Reporting based on information published by City of Abbotsford. Abbotsford Local independently summarized the public announcement; no original interview is implied.

Mark Neill took over as Abbotsford City Manager on October 21, following the retirement announcement of Peter Sparanese. Neill has worked as the City’s General Manager of Planning and Development Services since 2019.

His municipal career spans more than 25 years, including earlier planning work in the Township of Langley. The City Manager leads municipal administration, oversees services and helps put Council’s decisions into practice.

With a new council term underway, the appointment puts a leader familiar with local development and regional planning in charge of the City’s day-to-day operations.

Source and credit: Reporting based on information published by City of Abbotsford. Abbotsford Local independently summarized the public announcement; no original interview is implied.

Beginning January 1, 2027, Abbotsford solid waste collection fees will be charged alongside water and sewer services instead of appearing on annual property tax notices.

Residents billed every two months will see the charge on their first bill issued at the end of March. In Clearbrook, where utility billing is quarterly, it will appear on the first bill issued at the end of April. The City says the change is automatic, and on-time payment discounts will be available.

The practical difference is how households budget for the service: rather than one annual charge on a tax notice, collection costs will be spread across utility bills.

Source and credit: Reporting based on information published by City of Abbotsford. Abbotsford Local independently summarized the public announcement; no original interview is implied.