Henry's Blog
A year full of new and exciting experiences
November 15 marked one full year since the 2014 civic election, and December 1 was the one-year anniversary of this Council’s swearing in.
This past year has been full of many highlights and new experiences for me. I have enjoyed serving you as mayor and seeing the changes that are happening in both the City of Abbotsford and City Hall.
Some of my many highlights from 2015:
Vision – I am honoured to work with a team of committed City Councillors who are unified in the vision of building Abbotsford as the Hub of the Fraser Valley.
Service – I have been watching and hearing how City staff go the extra mile to provide great service. There is a significant cultural shift within City Hall and we are moving towards a can-do, how-can-we-help, customer-oriented service model where our staff seeks to find solutions to issues. Significant process improvements, including the bylaw update, help facilitate a higher level of customer service.
Meaningful, realistic, responsible – The City created a meaningful five-year financial plan that is realistic and responsible with tax payers’ money.
Initiative – The Business walks helped us connect with 150 existing businesses and hear firsthand what challenges/opportunities they face and if the City can help them achieve their goals. This strategy (among others) contributed to the City receiving an “Open for Business Award” from the provincial government that (A) recognized the new initiatives we made to support our local businesses and (B) provided us with $10,000 to reinvest in programs that enhance our business community. After a number of years of stagnant growth in almost all sectors, we are seeing businesses wanting to relocate to Abbotsford from Metro Vancouver.
Teamwork – The Abbotsforward Team, responsible for creating our new Official Community Plan (OCP), has been out in the community engaging residents to develop key ideas that will shape our city in the future. We are now in the last phase of consultation regarding Abbotsford’s OCP—more than 4,000 individuals have given us their view of what Abbotsford should look like when we reach a population of 200,000. I encourage you to find out more about Abbotsforward here.
Learning – Visiting elementary schools, learning about the Sumas Prairie irrigation system, flying by helicopter up to Dickson Lake (Norrish Creek) to learn about our watershed, and meeting the many community groups and excellent businesses in our community.
Looking ahead to 2016:
The Agriculture Land Review has commenced and will occupy a significant amount of Council time. As well, we will continue to advocate for the three major infrastructure projects that were almost finalized before the federal election:
- Hwy. 1 expansion to six lanes (three in each direction), four-lane expansion of Mt. Lehman from Simpson to the Airport (YXX);
- Widening of Sumas Way from Hwy. 1 to the U.S. border plus two overpasses; and
- A $2-million IT-system upgrade, which will result in a significant improvement in productivity so we can do more with the same number of people. Some of our IT systems are five upgrades behind.
In addition, Abbotsford City Council will rethink transit with an end goal to better serve our transit users.
In the New Year, I will continue to following through on my campaign pledges:
Transparent and open government that serves the public, rather than acts as its master;
Forward thinking to grow a vibrant economy and complete community that is both livable and desirable for generations to come;
Fiscal responsibility, with a keen eye on making sure that all our citizens – including our most vulnerable – are served.
We never know what surprises we might encounter in the New Year, but I look forward to the new challenges and every opportunity to learn…
Thank you, Abbotsford!
Mayor Henry Braun
As a follow-up to our announcement yesterday about the 40-bed purpose-built winter shelter that will open from mid-December until the end of April 2016, we’d like to hear from you, the citizens of Abbotsford.
Typically, we’d hear you at 7:00 PM at MCA (Matsqui Centennial Auditorium); however, some time ago, before the plans for the shelter were brought forward, MCA was booked for another community event.
In order to make sure you receive all the information and have your opportunity to be heard, a Special Regular Council Meeting is set for December 7 at 4:00 PM in Room 530 (the boardroom on the fifth floor) at City Hall. The sole purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for public input on the temporary shelter we announced yesterday, and to consider adoption of the related Housing Agreement Bylaw.
Please note that since both the time and place of the meeting are out of the ordinary (4:00 PM/Room 530); I will send reminders via Facebook and Twitter.
UPDATE: Here is the link to the Housing Agreement and Development Variance report, which Council will discuss on Monday, November 30, one week prior to the Special Regular Council Meeting mentioned above: https://abbotsford.civicweb.net/document/47082
Need to get in touch? Call or write to me: 604-864-5500 / MayorBraun@Abbotsford.ca.
I am proud to be part of such a caring community.
Today we announced a 40-bed purpose-built shelter that will open from mid-December until the end of April 2016 to provide those in Abbotsford who are homeless a warm and dry respite from winter. The Lookout Society will operate the shelter.
This shelter falls in line with our Homelessness Action Plan and our Housing First approach to providing a wide spectrum of opportunities that will reduce the risk of homelessness in our community.
Many thanks to the Government of BC, BC Housing, MLAs Mike de Jong, Simon Gibson, and Darryl Plecas, my colleagues on Council, and the citizens of Abbotsford for your commitment to help those in need.
Here is the BC Government’s media release with more detail: Province and City of Abbotsford partner to provide winter shelter
Ron Sweeney passed away on November 21. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sweeney family.
Ron was a joy to be around. He was a giver who always found the time and energy to encourage the people around him and support those who worked to help others.
He will be greatly missed.
Ron will be remembered by generations of Abbotsfordians for his smile, booming voice, and great contributions to the fabric of Abbotsford. He wore many hats and was known for his:
- life-long influence as an educator;
- hard work as a three-term city councillor, board member of Fraser Valley College, Prospera Credit Union, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Chamber of Commerce;
- role as chair of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at Matsqui Institution; and more.
Ron was recognized publicly for his service when he received the Order of Abbotsford, was named one of two Citizens of the Year, and when Sweeney Neighbourhood Centre was opened to honour him and his family during the rebuilding of Abbotsford Senior Secondary School.
The flag at Abbotsford City Hall will fly at half-mast to honour Ron Sweeney.
Prayers and viewing will be held at 7:30 PM on Wed., Nov. 25 at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, 33333 Mayfair Ave. The service follows at 10:30 AM on Thurs., Nov. 26 at St. Ann’s.
Read the Abbotsford News obituary here: http://www.abbynews.com/news/353071001.html
Remembrance Day provides all of us as Canadians with an opportunity to set aside time to recognize and honour the contributions of our veterans and the sacrifices they made so that we can today live in freedom and peace. It’s a day that stirs up feelings of pride, gratitude, and also great sorrow.
Photo: FreeImages.com/Michal Koralewski
A few years ago, Remembrance Day fell during the last week of what was for me a grueling campaign day as I ran for City Council. Most of my days at that time began at 4:30 am and ended at 10:00 pm. On November 11th that year, however, I had carefully planned time in my morning to attend MEI’s Remembrance Day ceremony, where my 10-year-old grandson was part of the choir. And I was so very glad I did.
It’s not often that I am moved to tears, but that particular morning was one of those times. One of the teachers delivered an amazing address about a Canadian soldier who died in October, 1916 during the battle of Ancre Heights at Regina Trench in Somme, France, during the First World War. For his sacrifice that day, James (Jimmy) Cleland Richardson received the highest and most prestigious award for British and Commonwealth forces, the Victoria Cross.
James was 20 years old, born in Scotland and a resident of Vancouver and later, Chilliwack. He was a Piper in the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. During the Battle of Ancre Heights, the company was held up by very strong wire and came under intense fire. Piper James Richardson left the trench to play his pipes along the fence line. This act so inspired the troops that they rushed the enemy’s position and captured them. Sometime later, James was detailed to help with the wounded and only then realized that he had left his pipes behind. He insisted on going back to retrieve his pipes…and he was never seen again.
James Richardson’s pipes were thought to be lost in the mud of the Somme for almost 90 years until 2002, when a Pipe Major responded to an internet posting and discovered that Richardson’s pipes were, in fact, not lost. A British Army Chaplain, Major Edward Yeld Bate, had found the pipes in 1917 and brought them home after the war to a school in Scotland where he was a teacher. Through a series of events, the pipes were identified as belonging to James Richardson. An anonymous donor facilitated the purchase of the pipes on behalf of the citizens of Canada. In November of 2006, the pipes were repatriated to Canada and placed on display at the British Columbia Legislature as a reminder of an entire generation’s valor.
This Remembrance Day, take some time to pay tribute and honour those who, like James Richardson, gave their lives in order that we might live in freedom and peace. Take time to tell a veteran how much you appreciate his or her service, and remember to cherish this wonderful country of Canada where we can all live in freedom and inclusivity thanks to the sacrifices of people like James Richardson.
On Wednesday, November 11, 2015, Abbotsford recognizes Remembrance Day with a parade and service at Thuderbird Square. Please join Velma and me there, if you can.
Much of the content of this post was first printed a couple of years ago, but all of it is as truely felt today as ever.
Thanksgiving is here and I am reminded again of all I have to be grateful for.
Over my last four years in public office, I have seen many examples of our wonderful community–the people and organizations–in action.
I am always thankful for how the people in Abbotsford rally around one another and provide support. I think about a very special little girl in our community, Greta Loewen, who is fighting cancer and how churches, schools, and businesses have found creative ways to raise funds and support Greta and her family, showing us what our community in Abbotsford is all about: Looking beyond ourselves and seeing the needs of others; showing love, care, and support in very tangible ways; and spreading hope.
I am very thankful to live in a community that has such a big heart. Abbotsford is a community known for its generosity, not only for supporting the Loewen family but also for supporting many other families, individuals, non-profit organizations, and more.
So as we celebrate Thanksgiving in our home, I thank YOU, the citizens of Abbotsford, for supporting me as Mayor. I am thankful for the position of servant-leadership that I have been elected to. I do not take this for granted. I am very thankful and proud to serve you.
And, as we reflect on Thanksgiving with family and friends, may each one of us carry a grateful heart and recognize we all have been blessed.
Our best wishes to you and yours,
Henry & Velma Braun
Do you own, run, or work in an Abbotsford business? Are you interested in what’s happening in Abbotsford? Join me on Friday, June 26 for the City’s inaugural Mayor’s Breakfast, where I will talk about economic developement (where it stands and where it’s going), City of Abbotsford initiatives, community safety, budget, and more.
When:
Friday, June 26, 2015
7:00 – 9:30 AM
Where:
TRADEX
1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
Tickets + Registration:
Online
Need to get in touch? Call or write to me: 604-864-550 / MayorBraun@Abbotsford.ca.
I had the pleasure of participating in the annual soapbox derby in Mission this past weekend. Mission mayor Randy Hawes and I had a ceremonial race to kick things off. Here are a couple of video clips captured by Velma. Enjoy!
#1: Preparing and checking on insurance.
2. Crossing the finish line.
I crossed the finish line first 🙂 and took the bragging rights home to Abbotsford.
As always, feel free to contact me directly with your questions or concerns. My email address is MayorBraun@Abbotsford.ca and my telephone number is 604-864-5500.
Cabalas is a significant regional retailer that will bring new business to Abbotsford if and when it builds here. Yes, there are times when planning philosophies collide with the harsh reality of current private sector market requirements. While City of Abbotsford plans such as the Official Community Plan (OCP) look and work to ensure a well-planned and executed community, the City must also address the needs of the private sector environment that exists today, before the OCP is finalized and implemented.
Council decisions will not always gain 100% support; however, Council works very hard to balance competing interests and then make the right decision for the community as a whole.
As always, feel free to contact me directly with your questions or concerns. My email address is MayorBraun@Abbotsford.ca and my telephone number is 604-864-5500.
Plain and simple: Elected officials should excuse themselves from proceedings when conflicts occur.
Recently, I have found some people are unclear about the process when I excuse myself from the Council table. For example, I may excuse myself once for a particular issue, but I also may excuse myself up to five times on any one issue. In the second instance, some people think I am leaving the table for five different reasons, when in reality I am leaving the Council table five times for the same project or application.
Allow me to clarify further.
In order for a project or application (such as a rezoning application) to be approved by Abbotsford City Council, it must work its way through a detailed review-and-approval process:
- First, a project or application is presented to the appropriate staff, who review it against current city policies and bylaws and bring a recommendation to Council for our consideration (initially introduced at our Executive Committee Meeting of Council).
- Next, later that same day, at our Regular Council meeting, we typical consider readings of the bylaw under consideration and authorize staff to schedule a public hearing.
- A public hearing is held (typically two weeks later).
- Immediately following the public hearing, at our Regular Council meeting, we consider a third reading of the bylaw (vote), unless Council decides to defer the matter to the next Council meeting so members can contemplate the feedback/input we received from citizens at the public hearing.
- Finally, the bylaw is brought back to Council for consideration of adoption (vote) at a future date, which is determined by staff, once the applicant has addressed/resolved the conditions associated with the rezoning application.
So, in effect, one project or application can come before Abbotsford City Council five or more times, and if I declare a conflict at the beginning of the process, then I have to follow it all the way through and excuse myself each and every time it appears before Council, where we discuss, or hear information regarding, the particular project or application.
From memory (without checking minutes), I have excused myself on just six land development applications during my three-plus years on Abbotsford City Council (December 2011 – present).
When I excuse myself from the table during the process identified above, I actually go far enough away so I don’t hear anything being discussed by Council. I also make sure that Council cannot see me, and I can’t see them, so that no one is influenced by body language. If you aren’t sure where we are in the process of the particular project or application, you might think I am excusing myself from 30 rather than six projects.
As always, feel free to contact me directly with your questions or concerns. My email address is MayorBraun@Abbotsford.ca and my telephone number is 604-864-5500.