Abbotsford news

• Winners unveiled at B.C.’s international sand sculpting festival

  13-07-2026 06:50 via abbynews.com
  
  The duo of Hanneke Supply and Helena Bangert took first place in the doubles category of the 2026 Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition in Parksville on July 12.
  The three-day competition in the community park drew 30 sand sculptors from all over Canada and the world to create their best representation of the ‘Beauties and Beasts’ theme within 30 hours.
  ‘Touched by the Beast’ by Supply and Bangert is about staying connected to nature, rather than a screen.
  It features
  
  Read more

• Abbotsford loses 700 jobs, dropping employment rate by 0.4%

  13-07-2026 21:50 via abbynews.com
  
  After experiencing a substantial jump in unemployment in May, Abbotsford has managed to hold steady in June, maintaining the worst unemployment rate the city has seen in more than four years.
  Statistics Canada reported that 700 local jobs were lost last month, bringing the city to its lowest number of jobs since November 2025.As a result of these lost jobs, the local employment rate dropped from 61.5 per cent to 61.1 per cent. Abbotsford hasn’t seen a lower employment rate in almost two an
  
  Read more

• B.C. nurses expand strike to Vancouver Island as bargaining stalls

  13-07-2026 21:10 via abbynews.com
  
  Picket lines expanded to Vancouver Island on July 12 as the British Columbia Nurses’ Union (BCNU) intensified job action after bargaining with health employers reached another impasse.
  Union members began picketing outside Victoria General Hospital early Sunday morning, with additional job action planned at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital.
  In an address to a large crowd of nurses waving flags and ringing bells outside the hospital, union president Adriane Gear
  
  Read more

• Specialty ‘custom cutters’ added to BC Timber Sales program

  13-07-2026 20:41 via abbynews.com
  
  B.C.’s Forests ministry is expanding a program that allows value-added manufacturers to access BC Timber Sales logs to include specialty “custom cutters” who supply unique wood products to buyers around the world.
  These manufacturers supply wood for everything from specialty windows and doors to Japanese temples. But unlike other value-added manufacturers that use BC Timber Sales logs, these businesses don’t have their own mills.
  There are about 40 custom cutter companies
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Baynes Sound observatory upgrade supports B.C. shellfish industry

  13-07-2026 19:44 via abbynews.com
  
  The Baynes Sound shellfish industry generates approximately $180 million in economic activity for the province, providing year-round jobs to rural and Indigenous communities and food security for the region.
  Thanks to upgrades made at Ocean Network Canada’s (ONC) Baynes Sound ocean observatory, the shellfish industry will be benefit from more comprehensive monitoring of the effects of ocean acidification and hypoxia (decrease in oxygen). Warming temperatures and increased carbon dioxide in
  
  Read more

• Baynes Sound observatory upgrade supports BC shellfish industry

  13-07-2026 19:44 via abbynews.com
  
  The Baynes Sound shellfish industry generates approximately $180 million in economic activity for the province, providing year-round jobs to rural and Indigenous communities and food security for the region.
  Thanks to upgrades made at Ocean Network Canada’s (ONC) Baynes Sound ocean observatory, the shellfish industry will be benefit from more comprehensive monitoring of the effects of ocean acidification and hypoxia (decrease in oxygen). Warming temperatures and increased carbon dioxide in
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Vancouver FC out of Canadian championship

  13-07-2026 19:00 via abbynews.com
  
  Vancouver FC has been eliminated from the TELUS Canadian Championship quarterfinals after back-to-back losses to CF Montréal.During game 2 at Stade Saputo on Sunday, July 13, Eagles were unable to exploit a man advantage after Montreal’s Efrain Morales was shown a second yellow card and sent off.
  Going into a scoreless second half, Montreal’s Brendan Craig sent a free kick curling past Callum Irving and into the net to make it 1-0 in the match.Montreal extended the lead to 2-0
  
  Read more

• Graeme Hutchison enters Abbotsford school trustee race

  13-07-2026 18:44 via abbynews.com
  
  Graeme Hutchison has become the fourth person to enter this fall’s Abbtosford school trustee race.
  Hutchison made the announcement in a press release on Sunday (July 12) night.
  He most recently ran in the 2025 Abbotsford school trustee byelection and placed fourth with 276 votes. Hutchison also ran as the NDP candidate for Abbotsford West in the provincial election in October 2024 and placed second with 7,255 votes.
  Hutchison is known to some in the community as a veteran soccer referee, b
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Train strikes crashed car at Deroche rail crossing

  13-07-2026 18:34 via abbynews.com
  
  No one was injured after a train struck a crashed car at a rail crossing in Deroche on Sunday (July 12).
  According to a news release from Mission RCMP, a witness called 911 at approximately 4 p.m. to report the initial crash at the Lougheed Highway and North Deroche Road crossing.
  “The car reportedly took the corner too fast, and collided with a train signal pole,” RCMP said.
  Two 18-year-olds — the driver and passenger — were uninjured and exited the vehicle. A freight tr
  
  Read more

• PHOTOS: Berry Fest takes to the streets of downtown Abbotsford

  13-07-2026 18:33 via abbynews.com
  
  The annual Berry Fest took place in Abbotsford’s historic downtown core on Saturday, July 11.
  The event, held in the area of Essendene and Montrose avenues, featured a mix of entertainment, family-friendly activities, food and community fun.
  New activities included a Cooldown Corridor, the Reptile Guy, a rock wall and a sports zone.
  Returning for 2026 were a skate park, face-painting, a photo booth, the Fun Gym Bus, a sensory-friendly calm corner, Berry’s Backyard Games, an artisan m
  
  Read more

• Man presumed dead after falling from tube into Okanagan Lake

  13-07-2026 18:10 via abbynews.com
  
  West Kelowna RCMP is investigating after a man presumably drowned during an outing on the lake.At around 11:53 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, the 45-year-old man was thrown into Okanagan Lake and did not resurface.
  Following this, a search was conducted for the man on Okanagan Lake with the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) deploying its marine and air resources to help find him.
  During the evening of July 11, the search was suspended as authorities could not establish a reliable search are
  
  Read more

• Response continues as Fraser Canyon wildfires remain out of control

  13-07-2026 17:22 via abbynews.com
  
  BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) will be building a contingency fire guard in the Boston Bar and Canyon Alpine areas in the coming days in response to the Brunwick Complex wildfires, according to a notice from the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD).
  FVRD notified affected residents on Sunday (July 12) that BCWS will be building the guard “on or adjacent to your property”, beginning on Tuesday (July 14).
  The notice says the measure is aimed to increase community protection and reduce th
  
  Read more

• WORLD CUP DAILY, July 13: No matches Monday

  13-07-2026 16:00 via abbynews.com
  
  Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications.
  It is the first time since 1990 that all four semi-finalists are prior World Cup champions.
  There are no matches until Tuesday, when France takes on Spain in the semifinals in Dallas at 12 p.m. PT.
  England will take on Argentina on Wednesday at 12 p.m.
  If England’s Harry Kane scores Wednesday, he would be tied with England’s Gary Lineker’s record of scoring in four
  successive World Cup appear
  
  Read more

• BC Wildfire says drone disrupted aerial operations at Brunswick Complex blaze

  12-07-2026 22:32 via abbynews.com
  
  Amidst firefighting efforts in the massive Brunswick Complex wildfire, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has put out an advisory reminding residents about the consequences of interfering with wildfire suppression efforts.
  The Brunswick Complex wildfire sits at a total 18,859 hectares as of Sunday, July 12.
  On July 11, BCWS shared on Facebook how suppression efforts have been effected from the opening of Highway 1.“We received multiple reports of drivers speeding, or stopping on the side of the hi
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Vancouver Bandits wrap road trip with win in Edmonton

  12-07-2026 22:30 via abbynews.com
  
  Vancouver Bandits ended their three-game road trip with an 112-98 win over the Stingers Saturday night in Edmonton.
  Bandits head coach Ransford Brempong said they “knew what had to be done.”
  “Winning isn’t easy,” Brempong observed. “We had to run, play defence and be tough. [Our] will was ready to do that.”
  Mychal Mulder drilled six three-pointers to lead the Bandits to victory.
  Mulder put up a season-high 25 points and went six-for-nine from downtown in
  
  Read more

• Bone appétit! Chilliwack Ribfest returns this summer

  12-07-2026 22:30 via abbynews.com
  
  Meat lovers will unite when a barbecue festival returns to Chilliwack this summer.
  Chilliwack Ribfest is coming back to Vedder Park July 24-26 and will feature five award-winning ‘ribbers’: Rusty’s BBQ, Guerilla Q, Prairie Smoke N’ Spice, Truckin’ BBQ, and Gator BBQ.
  They will battle it out for the People’s Choice Rib Champion award, plus there are awards for best sauce, best ribs, and best in show.
  In addition to the low-and-slow barbecue options, there will
  
  Read more

• Surrey pedestrian hit by transit bus in overnight collision

  12-07-2026 18:10 via abbynews.com
  
  A man is currently in hospital with life-threatening injuries.
  In a release sent by the Surrey Police Service (SPS) states that an investigation is in process after a serious overnight collision occurred between a TransLink bus and a pedestrian.
  On July 11 at approximately 9:41 p.m., SPS officers said they responded to a report from BCEHS of a seriously injured pedestrian lying on the road at the intersection of 128 Street and 96 Avenue in Surrey.
  SPS says officers arrived on scene and located t
  
  Read more

• WORLD CUP DAILY, July 12: England and Argentina head to semi-finals

  12-07-2026 16:00 via abbynews.com
  
  Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications.
  England and Argentina are heading to the semi-finals after defeating Norway and Switzerland, respectively.
  England’s Jude Bellingham scored both goals for his team, the first in the 45+2 minute and the second in the 93rd. England won 2-1 after extra time.
  Argentina also went to extra time during its match with Switzerland, as they were tied 1-1 at the end of regular time. Argentina scored two goals durin
  
  Read more

• QUIZ: Are you ready for a summer vacation?

  12-07-2026 14:20 via abbynews.com
  
  Now that the school year is over and the hot summer weather has arrived, many Canadian families will enjoy summer vacations.
  Across the country, there is plenty to see and experience, including natural wonders, dynamic cities, unique festivals and celebrations and remote wilderness areas.
  How much do you know about Canada’s many remarkable attractions?
  Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions.
  Good luck.
  Loading…
  READ MORE: QUIZ: Are you ready for the Stanley Cup?
  READ
  
  Read more

• PHOTOS: Cyclists in Chilliwack ride in rain to raise funds for multiple sclerosis

  12-07-2026 01:08 via abbynews.com
  
  Cyclists rolled out into rainy and cool weather while taking part in a fundraiser for multiple sclerosis in Chilliwack on Saturday morning.
  The two-day MS Bike – Chilliwack event left Chilliwack Heritage Park on July 11.
  About 80 riders gathered for the fundraiser which was held for a second time in Chilliwack. It’s one of 11 rides across Canada.
  Participants ride at their own pace along one of three different routes on the first day – 30 km, 60 km, and 100 km – and every
  
  Read more

• Murder charge laid after motor vehicle incident in Vanderhoof

  12-07-2026 00:48 via abbynews.com
  
  A man has been charged with second-degree murder following a motor vehicle incident that triggered a shelter-in-place order in Vanderhoof on July 9.
  Keegan Donald Leigh, 39, was charged on July 10, Prince George RCMP said in a release.
  Police responded to the incident in the 1500 block of Loop Road, where they located a deceased man.
  Investigators say they believe it to be an isolated incident, with the accused and the victim, 38, known to each other.
  Police say Leigh will remain in custody unti
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Vancouver Bandits hope to rebound from Calgary loss

  12-07-2026 00:00 via abbynews.com
  
  Not much went right for the Vancouver Bandits against Calgary Surge on Thursday night, suffering a 95-80 loss despite 21 points from Tevin Brown.
  Bandits trailed for most of the game, briefly leading by five in the first quarter.“We did [good] things in stints. We just didn’t do it consistently,” said Bandits head coach Ransford Brempong.
  Alongside his 21 points, Brown recorded five threes made and five rebounds.
  “It’s going to take discipline [to win]. [We] have to
  
  Read more

• Transformer-manufacturing company to shut down its Chilliwack facility

  11-07-2026 20:28 via abbynews.com
  
  A transformer-manufacturing facility in Chilliwack will be shutting down at the end of August, citing economic pressures and the high cost of tariffs.
  Cam Tran is closing its Chilliwack location which has been around for nearly 30 years. The company was purchased by an American company two years ago.
  They make various transformers including overhead ones attached to hydro poles, and pad-mounted transformers often identified as green, metal boxes.
  Cam Tran made the announcement on July 10.
  &ldquo
  
  Read more

• ‘Highlight of my summer’: Chance the Rapper wows at B.C. capital festival

  11-07-2026 18:49 via abbynews.com
  
  If there was any doubt that the Phillips Backyard Festival has become Victoria’s marquee summer music event, Friday (July 10) night erased it.
  A capacity crowd of roughly 5,000 packed the backyard of Phillips Brewing Co. as the annual festival opened with one of its biggest headliners yet, three-time Grammy Award winner Chance the Rapper.
  By the time his set wrapped, fans weren’t rushing for the exits, they were standing in groups, reliving what they had just watched.
  “Wow, I m
  
  Read more

• B.C. whale watchers join forces to help tangled humpback ‘Pop Tart’

  11-07-2026 17:42 via abbynews.com
  
  When a humpback whale named Pop Tart found itself in a tangle, Greater Victoria’s whale watching community sprang into action.
  Identified as the 2016 calf of famed Salish Sea humpback whale Big Mama, Pop Tart spent nearly a week entangled in fishing gear, described as a buoy with a rope more than 30 metres long.
  The Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) has praised the collaboration between Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Marine Mammal Response Team and professional whale watchers from
  
  Read more

• Survey ranks Victoria 2nd-best city in Canada

  11-07-2026 16:30 via abbynews.com
  
  Among the hundreds of towns and cities that pepper Canada’s forests, coastlines and prairies, Victoria has been named one of the best.
  Travel + Leisure recently released its 2026 World’s Best Award, which annually ranks the best places to stay, eat and explore in Canada and beyond, as decided by its readers.
  This year, Victoria was voted the second-best city in Canada, behind Quebec City.
  Victoria received an 83.77 score, while Quebec City took home an 86.99 ranking.
  Scores are calcu
  
  Read more

• WORLD CUP DAILY, July 11: Spain heads to semi-finals

  11-07-2026 16:00 via abbynews.com
  
  Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications.
  Spain is heading to the semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 on Friday (July 10).It is a busy day at the World Cup today (July 11), with two quarter-final matches. Norway will take on England at 2 p.m. PT in Miami, followed by Argentina vs. Switzerland at 6 p.m. PT in Kansas City.
  QUARTER-FINALS
  Friday, July 10:
  Spain vs. Belgium at 12 p.m. in Los Angeles
  Saturday, July 11
  Norway vs. England at 5 p.m. in Mi
  
  Read more

• Gone Country: Jamestown about so much more than music

  11-07-2026 02:00 via abbynews.com
  
  Sharing a beer after a charity concert on Vancouver Island earlier this year, country music artist JoJo Mason – who’s done a lot of work with Gone Country through the years – invited the fundraiser’s co-founders Chris and Jamie Ruscheinski back stage.
  Little did the twin brothers and Langley philanthropists know that invitation would lead to booking that event’s headliners – the James Barker Band – to the top billing at this Saturday’s (July 11&rsq
  
  Read more

• How the Chilliwack Chiefs helped transform Caleb Malhotra into a top pick

  11-07-2026 01:34 via abbynews.com
  
  When Caleb Malhotra arrived to the Chilliwack Chiefs in 2024 the expectations were high, but the red carpet wasn’t exactly rolled out for the prospect – and head coach Brian Maloney said that was by design.
  Malhotra made headlines last month by being selected third overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL Draft and is a big future piece for the NHL franchise. He also appeared at the recent Canucks Development Camp in Abbotsford earlier this month.
  The 16-year-old Malhotra had to b
  
  Read more

• New involuntary care facilities to be opened in Surrey and Prince George

  11-07-2026 00:14 via abbynews.com
  
  The B.C. government is creating two new secure facilities to involuntarily hold and treat people with combined mental health and addiction diagnoses, one in Surrey and another in Prince George.
  Premier David Eby announced the plans on Friday, July 10, at the site of the new facility in Prince George. Both units will be located in already-existing structures to save costs.
  The Prince George centre, previously announced without site details, will be located on Gunn Road in a renovated youth correc
  
  Read more

Follow @AbbotsfordNws on Twitter!