🌦️ High 16C

Good morning,

If you’ve got a creative idea for your neighbourhood, Abbotsford may be able to help fund it. The city has opened up three grants for 2027 aimed at artists, community groups, and event organizers, and the first applications open November 16. The details are in today’s main story.

The giving season is also getting started. Chilliwack’s Toys for Tickets program is back until December 10, so you can pay an eligible parking ticket with a toy or gift card donation. In Langley, the Christmas Wish Breakfast on November 25 is collecting toys, gift cards, and cash for the Langley Christmas Bureau.

– Emily

P.S. Know of an event or story we should feature? Send it my way at [email protected].

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🌤 Local forecast: Langley | Chilliwack | Abbotsford | Hope | Mission

🚘 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google, and find DriveBC’s latest updates.

🛣 Click here for links to road cameras across the Fraser Valley, including those for the Coquihalla, Highway 7, Hope-Princeton, Fraser Canyon, and Highway 1 in Langley and Abbotsford.

Abbotsford is accepting applications for three funding streams in 2027: the Arts & Culture Grant, Neighbourhood Small Grants, and Significant Event Grants.

The Arts & Culture Grant supports new or expanded arts, culture, and heritage projects. Individual creators can apply for $500 to $2,500, and organizations for $1,500 to $5,000, from November 16 to January 31. Neighbourhood Small Grants, delivered with the Vancouver Foundation and Abbotsford Community Foundation, offer up to $500 for resident-led projects that bring neighbours together, with applications open February 1 to March 1. The Significant Event Grant gives non-profits hosting events of more than 1,000 people up to $4,000 in in-kind support to offset city costs, with applications from January 4 to April 30 on a first-come, first-served basis.

“These funding opportunities help bring people together, support local creativity and celebrate the unique character of Abbotsford,” said Mayor Ross Siemens.

The city is also holding three virtual information sessions, on November 26, December 15, and January 13.

🌊 Five years after the November 2021 floods, Abbotsford’s Sumas Prairie is rebuilt and green again, with upgraded dikes and the Barrowtown Pump Station in place. Farmers say the worry returns with every heavy rain. [The Weather Network]

⚖️ A 55-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder after a 52-year-old woman died at a home on Mellard Avenue in Chilliwack on November 6, with police saying they believe the two knew each other. [CTV News]

💔 One of two pedestrians hit by a truck on Delair Road in Abbotsford early Wednesday has died, and police are looking at speed as a possible cause. [CityNews]

⚡ A storm brought down high-voltage power lines on 208 Street in Langley, sparking a natural gas main fire that forced a few homes to be evacuated. [CityNews]

🧯 Noel Booth Elementary in Langley stayed closed after someone allegedly set off fire extinguishers throughout the school, and RCMP are investigating. [CTV News]

🎁 Langley’s Christmas Wish Breakfast on November 25 invites the community to bring a new toy, gift card, or cash donation to support the Langley Christmas Bureau. [City of Langley]

🧸 The City of Chilliwack’s Toys for Tickets program is back until December 10, letting people pay eligible parking tickets with toy and gift card donations for Chilliwack Community Services. [City of Chilliwack]

📋 The District of Hope has released its latest council update, including a rezoning of 280 Hudson Bay Street that council adopted and proposed 2027 utility fee increases that advanced through three readings. [District of Hope]

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Mountain Holiday Market: Abbotsford’s Mountain Elementary School hosts its annual holiday market on November 14, with local creators, hot drinks and treats, and free visits and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Comic Strippers: A fictional male revue troupe played by top Canadian improvisers brings an unscripted comedy show powered by audience suggestions to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on November 16.

Making Merry: Willowbrook Shopping Centre in Langley hosts its 11th annual charity shopping night on November 17, with retailer offers, live music, and a photo with Santa. All ticket sales support six local charities.

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