City of Abbotsford - The Hub Of The Fraser Valley

Last week Mayor Siemens dropped by the Abbotsford Recreation Centre’s 55+ Learning Plus program to give a presentation on the different levels of government and take questions from the attendees.

These events are great opportunities to connect directly with community members and learn more about the issues that matter to them. Thank you very much to all who participated!

This week City Council’s Business Spotlight tour series gave us an inside look at the innovative local industrial marketing agency SitePartners.

In Abbotsford we know the importance of having a strong industrial sector, and we’re proud to be the home of a company whose goal is to keep that sector strong in B.C. and beyond.

On June 18, Mayor Siemens and Councillors Chahal, Driessen, Gibson, Loewen and Ross visited SitePartners, a marketing and media production agency that focuses on the industrial sector. They have offices in Victoria, Kelowna, Toronto and Calgary, but their headquarters are right here in Abbotsford.

SitePartners president Andrew Hansen led the tour through SitePartners’s open-concept office space (which includes a slide), the staff gym, and their specialized industrial studio that Andrew says is the only one of its kind in Canada.

Andrew said that while he originally founded the company in Surrey, he could never find the right location for their headquarters. That changed in 2021 when he discovered their current building on West Railway Street and fell in love with our Historic Downtown neighbourhood. He said Abbotsford’s values and connection to hardworking, industrial sectors also made it a perfect fit for SitePartners. Abbotsford is also home to many of their clients.

The SitePartners HQ has been up and running now for the past two and a half years and they have fully embraced the Abbotsford community. More than a quarter of the staff live in Abbotsford and they support local businesses and suppliers whenever they can, from catering and client meetings to gifts and staff events. They even partnered with nearby Field House Brewing to produce their own custom corporate beer can design.

SitePartners is also giving back to the community that has welcomed them in. They run a quarterly “charity of the month” program and participate in an annual toy drive supporting Archway Community Services. Clearly Abbotsford’s reputation for generosity has already rubbed off on them.

As a City Council it was one of our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan goals to see the value of innovation reflected in our local economy. We envision Abbotsford as a regional hub for creativity and innovation, and SitePartners is an excellent example of the kind of business that exemplifies exactly those qualities.

Thank you to Andrew and the entire SitePartners team for showing us around your facility. Touring your studio and offices and learning about your history and operations was highly informative and engaging.

We’re extremely excited and proud that cutting-edge businesses like SitePartners are a part of our community. Your passion for Abbotsford is inspiring and we wish you continued success.

Abbotsford City Council

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UPDATE:

Matsqui Trail Regional Park has reopened to the public following an AbbyPD investigation.

The circumstances surrounding an individual found deceased in the park earlier this morning have been deemed to be not suspicious. Abbotsford Police appreciates the cooperation from the community and park users while officers completed the investigation.

Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society scholarships!

Last night an award ceremony was held and Mayor Siemens (seen here with Abbotsford Hospice CEO Andrea Critchley) was there to salute the 39 honourees and thank them for being caring and dedicated members of our community. Councillor Chahal also attended to show her support.

The Canada Day parade is cruising through on Wednesday, July 1 and we can't wait to celebrate with you! To help keep everyone safe during the festivities, please be aware of the following road closures:

📍 South Fraser Way (Bourquin Crescent to Trethewey Street)
Closed: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍Trethewey Street (South Fraser Way to Maclure Road)
Closed: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Bourquin Crescent (between Ware Street & South Fraser Way)
Closed: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes. For all things Canada Day, please visit: goabbotsford.ca/canadaday

The Province, the cities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack, and the Semá:th and Leq’á:mel First Nations have developed a comprehensive Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan. First Nation members, residents and business operators in Sumas Prairie are invited to learn more about this plan and share their feedback.

For more information, please visit letstalkabbotsford.ca/SumasRiverWatershedFloodMitigationPlan

Matsqui Trail Regional Park is currently closed as AbbyPD conducts an investigation. The closure mainly affects park operations near the end of Riverside Road @ Tall Road.

A deceased individual has been found within the park, and officers are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. At this time there is no risk to public safety in the area.

You may qualify to defer the taxes on your principal residence if you meet the Government's program criteria. Deferment applications must be submitted online.

Find out more at gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment.

🏅 Know someone making a difference in Abbotsford?

Nominations are now open for two civic awards:
✨Order of Abbotsford
✨Community Champion Achievement Award

Nominate a deserving individual, group, or organization by June 25!
All details can be found at www.abbotsford.ca/awards-recognition