Abbotsford news

• Property assessments drop 5% for average Abbotsford home

  06-01-2026 01:42 via abbynews.com
  The typical assessed value of a single-family home in Abbotsford dropped five per cent from 2024 to 2025, according to figures released Friday (Jan. 2) by BC Assessment.
  As of July 1, 2025, a typical home in the community was assessed at $1.08 million. That compares to $1.14 million as of July 1, 2024.
  The typical assessed value for condos and townhomes in Abbotsford dropped three per cent – from $487,000 to $470,000 in the same period.
  Over the next few days, owners of more than one milli
  
  Read more

• Fraser Health issues toxic drug advisory

  09-01-2026 16:46 via abbynews.com
  A toxic drug advisory was issued by Fraser Health on Thursday (Jan. 8) after a potent sedative with effects irreversible by naloxone was detected in the unregulated opioid supply.
  “Friends, family, and community members using unregulated substances may face increased harms of unknowingly taking different substances than intended,” Fraser Health said.
  According to the advisory, medetomidine “continues” to be found in the supply throughout Fraser Health region, including Ab
  
  Read more

• Wind farm poised to become Vancouver Island’s biggest power source, empower First Nation

  09-01-2026 16:30 via abbynews.com
  Wei Wai Kum First Nation is charting a new course as the majority owner of one Vancouver Island’s largest new power sources following decades of exclusion from energy projects in their own territory.
  The Yə̓yus Energy, formerly known as the Brewster Wind Project, is a $600-million, 197-megawatt wind farm with 30 turbines that will be located northwest of Campbell River. Wei Wai Kum owns 51 per cent of the wind project while Capstone, a Toronto-based renewable energy firm, owns th
  
  Read more

• Malnourished B.C. Chihuahua cross survives weeks alone after owner dies

  09-01-2026 14:30 via abbynews.com
  A small dog survived on her own for more than two weeks after her owner died over the holidays.
  Chenelle is an eight-year-old miniature pincher cross Chihuahua.
  RCMP found her while conducting a wellness check at a Vernon home Jan. 3 and found her owner had passed away. Police contacted the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) dog control to take custody of Chenelle.
  “When our officer arrived on site, it was clear that the animal needed medical attention, so they contacted the Okanag
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Patrick Kane scores 500th career goal as Red Wings dump Canucks 5-1

  09-01-2026 03:45 via abbynews.com
  Patrick Kane scored twice, including the 500th goal of his NHL career, leading the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-1 win over the visiting Canucks Thursday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
  Axel Sandin-Pellikka, J.T. Compher and Lucas Raymond also scored for the Wings (26-15-4), with James van Riemsdyk adding a pair of assists. John Gibson stopped 25 of 26 shots to earn the goaltending win.
  Jake DeBrusk had the lone goal for the Canucks (16-22-5), with Kevin Lankinen taking the loss in goal, making 2
  
  Read more

• National Indigenous Coaching honour hits home for B.C. woman

  09-01-2026 02:00 via abbynews.com
  Winning a national coaching award gave Vernon’s Michelle Webster cause for reflection.
  It was as if the longtime softball player and coach was stepping into the batter’s box for the final time of what had been a tremendous career. One foot in the box, the other outside. Taking a look around at her teammates, the opposition, the fans in the stands, the beauty of the green grass in the outfield.
  Then she steps in the box and belts the pitched ball 260 feet over the centre-field wall.
  W
  
  Read more

• Former Vernon doctor who committed sex crimes gets full parole

  09-01-2026 02:00 via abbynews.com
  WARNING: This article contains details of sexual assault which may be disturbing to some readers. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122. All programs are easily accessible, free of charge and confidential.
  A former Vernon doctor who was sent to jail in 2024 over multiple instances of sexual assault has been granted full parole.
  Peter Inkpen, 45, was charged with three counts of sexual assault, which occurred be
  
  Read more

• B.C.’s pushback against DRIPA legislation feeds growing First Nations frustration

  09-01-2026 01:30 via abbynews.com
  Proposals to alter or repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) are not going over well with First Nations leaders across B.C.
  Robert Phillips, political executive of the First Nations Summit, an organization tasked with facilitating treaty negotiations, said he was “surprised” to hear the talk of amendments after six years of working to align provincial law with the declaration and basing agreements on that commitment.
  He called it an attempt to “c
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• B.C., Washington poised to launch bilateral discussion group later in 2026

  09-01-2026 01:20 via abbynews.com
  B.C. and Washington legislators have reached an agreement to establish an interparliamentary group between the two governments.
  Signed in Vancouver Thursday (Jan. 8), the deal establishes a bilateral group meant to “promote dialogue between the two legislators, explore solutions to common challenges, address cross-border constituency matters, and engage in discussions about areas of mutual interest and accomplishment.”
  The group will be co-chaired by B.C. Speaker Raj Chouhan and Wash
  
  Read more

• Ontario man in Vernon court for Edgewood ostrich farm assault

  09-01-2026 01:00 via abbynews.com
  A man from the Universal Ostrich Farm (UOF) protest camp facing assault and mischief charges needs a lawyer.
  Timothy Regan’s matter was heard at the Vernon Courthouse Thursday, Jan. 8, but adjourned to Jan. 22 to allow further time for him to retain counsel. He is not in custody.
  Regan, 60 of Ontario, is charged with assault, assault with a weapon, and mischief.
  He was arrested the morning of Sept. 22, 2025 after RCMP were alerted to an alleged altercation at a property neighbouring the Ed
  
  Read more

• Gym technology first of its kind in Western Canada launches at Kelowna YMCA

  09-01-2026 01:00 via abbynews.com
  New, personalized cutting-edge fitness technology is now available to use at the YMCA in Rutland.
  EGYM, a smart technology system that helps make fitness more accessible to all users, motivating them to reach their goals has been installed at the YMCA located at 375 Hartman Road.
  “EGYM removes guesswork, making every workout personalized, engaging, and results driven,” said Robyn Moore, vice president of health, fitness, and aquatics at the YMCA of Southern Interior BC.
  To make train
  
  Read more

• Sikh activists take to B.C. legislature steps, angered by Eby’s India trip

  09-01-2026 00:48 via abbynews.com
  A group of Sikh activists took to the steps of the B.C. legislature on Thursday (Jan. 8), waving Khalistan flags and urging Premier David Eby to cancel his upcoming India trip.
  They say the India trip sends the wrong message after the death in Surrey of fellow Sikh activist Hardeep Nijjar in 2023, allegedly shot by Indian hitmen. Four men have been arrested and charged with the murder.
  “The killers are in custody, foot soldiers are in custody, but who’s behind it?” asked Jag Si
  
  Read more

• Lawn care company gives 3,500 pounds of food to B.C. food banks

  09-01-2026 00:15 via abbynews.com
  Weed Man is feeding more than just people’s lawns this winter, with the North American lawn care company recently revealing the fundraising totals from this year’s Grassroots Giving campaign.
  This annual fundraiser collects food donations throughout Canada and the U.S. and then hands the contributions to food banks and other charitable organizations.
  The most recent Grassroots Giving campaign managed to gather a total of 3,540 lbs for B.C. food banks, with locations including:
  •
  
  Read more

• Lawn care company gives 3,500 lbs of food to B.C. food banks

  09-01-2026 00:15 via abbynews.com
  Weed Man is feeding more than just people’s lawns this winter, with the North American lawn care company recently revealing the fundraising totals from this year’s Grassroots Giving campaign.
  This annual fundraiser collects food donations throughout Canada and the U.S. and then hands the contributions to food banks and other charitable organizations.
  The most recent Grassroots Giving campaign managed to gather a total of 3,540 lbs for B.C. food banks, with locations including:
  •
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Children’s cemetery keepsakes trashed in cleanup

  09-01-2026 00:00 via abbynews.com
  Music from a few dozen windchimes hanging in the trees above children’s graves at Maple Ridge Cemetery have been muted forever.
  Handpainted beach rocks placed carefully around the gravestones of some of the 50 or so kids – in the same dedicated children’s section of the cemetery – have vanished.
  Flower – both live and plastic – placed in cemetery-specific vases next to several engraved headstones, have been removed from the ground.
  A few framed pictures, vario
  
  Read more

• Kelowna airport’s economic impact over $2 billion in 2024

  08-01-2026 23:45 via abbynews.com
  Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is a money-making machine.
  Over $2 billion dollars ($2.076 to be exact) in economic output was generated by the City-owned airport in 2024, according to a study by the City of Kelowna.
  Economic output is calculated by taking the aggregate of labour income and other expenditures which can be considered as the contribution to GDP.
  The study in question will be handed to Kelowna City council on Monday. In the recommendation to council, the city manager said the e
  
  Read more

• B.C.-U.S. border park featured in new documentary

  08-01-2026 23:45 via abbynews.com
  A documentary that was four years in the making will première one year into the renewed political tensions at the Canada-U.S. border.
  Award-winning filmmaker Ying Wang is showcasing her documentary The Border on Jan. 24 in Vancouver as part of the interplay 2026 festival.
  Wang says the documentary is fitting as political tensions continue to increase the strain on the border.
  The film offers “a timely reflection on the fragility of freedom and the enduring friction between the human
  
  Read more

• Missing Lower Mainland woman last seen before New Year’s

  08-01-2026 23:10 via abbynews.com
  Mounties are asking for help to locate a missing woman last seen in Maple Ridge late in the year.
  Shannon Samms was last seen Monday, Dec. 29, in the 21600-block of Lougheed Highway about 4 a.m. that day.
  Since then, there’s been no word or sightings of the 37-year-old woman, said Ridge Meadows RCMP.
  On Jan. 8, police issued a missing persons notice, noting they were concerned for her health and well-being.
  Samms is described as an Indigenous female, 4 ft. 11 in. (150 cm) tall, weighing 96
  
  Read more

• Surrey councillor defends texts to police chief over impairment checks

  08-01-2026 23:00 via abbynews.com
  A Surrey city councillor feels she didn’t do anything wrong when she alerted Surrey Police Service Chief Const. Norm Lipinski about concerns regarding impairment checks outside of Morgan Creek Golf Course — and other Surrey golf courses — last summer.
  Coun. Linda Annis, who is running for mayor in the 2026 municipal election, said she had received a number of calls about the impairment checks — meant to catch drivers who have been drinking alcohol — at Morgan Creek
  
  Read more

• Chilliwack RCMP issue missing person notice for 34-year-old man

  08-01-2026 22:32 via abbynews.com
  Chilliwack RCMP have issued a missing persons notice for Jordy Phillips, 34.
  They say he was last seen at the far end of Chilliwack Lake Road (60500 block) on Nov. 17, 2025, and reported missing by family on Jan. 1.
  “Police are concerned for Jordy’s well-being, as family report it is out of character for him to be out of contact for this length of time,” the RCMP release stated.They describe him as a caucasian male, age 34, 5’9”, 170 lbs, with blond hair and brown e
  
  Read more

• Sweltering 2025: Last year was the warmest on record in Okanagan

  08-01-2026 22:00 via abbynews.com
  From a sweltering extended summer to a mild start to winter, 2025 was a record-breaking year for warmth for much of the Okanagan.
  It was the warmest year on record for Vernon and Kelowna, and the fourth-warmest year for Penticton.
  Kelowna’s average temperature for the year came in at 10.6 degrees Celsius, which was 2.4 degrees above normal and tied 1988 for the city’s warmest year on record.
  Vernon’s average temperature was 10.1 C, just under two degrees above normal. That also
  
  Read more

• Chilliwack pastor’s fines set aside for violating in-person gathering rules during COVID lockdown

  08-01-2026 20:54 via abbynews.com
  A Chilliwack pastor ticketed for in-person worship during lockdowns has had the matter set aside in Provincial Court of B.C.
  The Alberta-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announced on Jan. 8 that both convictions had been “vacated” for Pastor John Koopman of the Free Reformed Church in Chilliwack.
  In 2022 Koopman was harged with participating in worship services in 2020 and 2021, violating the in-person gathering prohibition during the COVID pandemic.
  Part of the centr
  
  Read more

• District of Hope hires private security after rash of wire thefts

  08-01-2026 20:51 via abbynews.com
  The District of Hope has hired private security to patrol the streets following a “recent spike of wire thefts” in Hope.
  According to Kevin Dicken, director of operations for the district, district staff were informed last week (Dec. 28 – Jan. 4) that the wire theft has spread from Richmond Hill to Park Street and 4th Avenue.
  According to the district’s press release on Tuesday (Jan. 6), district crews have been fixing the damage caused by the theft of underground wiring
  
  Read more

• Alleged soup assault lands intoxicated woman in Salmon Arm RCMP cells

  08-01-2026 20:30 via abbynews.com
  An intoxicated woman spent the night in Salmon Arm RCMP cells after instigating an alleged soup assault at a local pub.
  Police were called to an establishment on Lakeshore Drive at 7 p.m. on Dec. 22 after a staff member reported an intoxicated female customer had thrown a bowl of soup at another patron and was refusing to leave.
  When officers arrived, staff pointed out the 34-year-old woman who had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and was stumbling as she walked.
  “The soup recipient was not
  
  Read more

• American sentenced for trying to smuggle British husband into U.S. from B.C.

  08-01-2026 19:34 via abbynews.com
  A Californian woman was sentenced to six months of probation for attempting to smuggle her husband — a Great Britain citizen — into the United States from the Roosville border crossing south of Jaffray in the East Kootenays last spring.
  Tracy Routh Lautenslager, 54, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of conspiracy to bring aliens into the U.S. at a location other than a designated port of entry.
  U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the proceedings, delivering
  
  Read more

• 3 charged for $500K in stolen property in Abbotsford and Mission

  08-01-2026 19:19 via abbynews.com
  Charges have now been laid against three people in relation to $500,000 in stolen items being recovered by police on two properties in Abbotsford and Mission in May.
  Cody Ashton, 34, whom police say is a prolific offender, faces 12 charges, including break-and-enter, assault with a weapon, possession of stolen property, motor vehicle theft, mischief and theft over $5,000.
  Justin Graham, 42, and Kayla Hellstrom, 30, have each been charged with three counts of possession of stolen property, motor
  
  Read more

• Family members share grief during sentencing for East Kootenay killings

  08-01-2026 19:15 via abbynews.com
  Crown prosecutors are recommending at least 13 years in prison before parole eligibility for a man guilty of killing two people in Creston and Kimberley four years ago.
  Mitchell McIntyre pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and manslaughter with a firearm in the killings of Julia Howe and David Creamer on Feb. 6, 2022.
  Both Crown and defence lawyers presented a joint sentencing submission in Kamloops Supreme Court in front of Justice Paul Riley on Jan. 7. A sentencing decision is expected on J
  
  Read more

• Abbotsford hosting Judo BC Provincial Championships

  08-01-2026 18:54 via abbynews.com
  The Judo BC Provincial Championships are coming to Abbotsford.
  Hundreds of athletes of all ages will take over the Ag-Rec Centre for the province’s biggest judo competition from Feb. 6 to 8.
  This marks the first time that Abbotsford Judo Club has hosted the event since 2018. Prince George was the host city the past two years and Victoria hosted in 2023 and 2022.
  View this post on InstagramA post shared by Judo BC (@judobc)Divisions competing at the provincials include: U10, U12, U14, U16,
  
  Read more

• Province praises Abbotsford police program that recovered $490K in stolen property

  08-01-2026 18:20 via abbynews.com
  The B.C. government is celebrating the work done by various law enforcement agencies, which used millions of dollars in government funding to bring the province down to its lowest crime severity rate in six years.
  On Tuesday (Jan. 6), the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General acknowledged the many successes of the province’s police forces, including the Abbotsford Police Department.
  The Abbotsford department was praised for its Project Salus initiative, which is one of many publi
  
  Read more

• Concert for Bruno Mars at BC Place in October on ‘The Romantic’ tour

  08-01-2026 18:09 via abbynews.com
  A big Bruno Mars tour of North America and Europe will end in Vancouver next Oct. 15 at BC Place Stadium, Live Nation Entertainment announced Thursday (Jan. 8).
  Concert tickets go on sale Jan. 15 on BrunoMars.com for the “Romantic Tour,” which is Mars’ first headline tour in nearly a decade, following his 2017 24K Magic dates.
  Mars, a Grammy Award-winning performer, has booked nearly 40 shows from April to October 2026, including one in Vancouver (with opener Anderson .Paak as
  
  Read more

Follow @AbbotsfordNws on Twitter!