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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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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 🙂…

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…

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…