Monday - Jan 12 - End of an era at recycling depot

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After more than 50 years, Archway Community Services has closed the book on its recycling depot operations in Abbotsford and Mission. For decades, the program did more than process materials—it provided stable work for people facing barriers to employment. Today's feature explores what that legacy meant and what comes next for the 62 staff now looking for new opportunities.

– The FVC team (Emily, Robyn and William)

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Today’s Feature

Longtime inclusive employer ends recycling depot operations

A recycling program that employed people with barriers to traditional work for more than five decades has come to an end in Abbotsford and Mission.

Archway Community Services' operation of the Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot concluded on December 31, with Emterra Group taking over the contract. The depot itself remains open and continues to serve both communities under the new operator.

For 50 years, the program was designed to provide employment for people facing barriers to work—individuals with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and those navigating mental health or addiction challenges.

At its peak, the depot processed over 10,000 tonnes of material annually and employed 62 people. Staff learned skills like forklift operation, machinery handling, and customer service while working in an environment built around flexibility and accommodation.

"Working at the recycling depot was the first job for a lot of our newcomer staff," said Nick Hour, business operations manager at the depot. "In a way, the recycling depot was a turning point for them to become more Canadianized and being able to contribute to society while building a new life."

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Need to Know

🥾 Abbotsford opened an online survey until February 9 seeking input on the McKee Trail Strategy to guide planning and design of the trail network on McKee Peak. [City of Abbotsford]

✈️ UFV alumna Kristin Long, a Boeing 737 captain and founding president of Winnipeg's Women in Aviation chapter, works to address barriers facing women in aviation, where only 8% of airline pilots and 2% of captains are women. [UFV]

📰 An expert in police studies warned that constant exposure to violent crime headlines can generate fear exceeding actual risk, leading to increased anxiety and eroded trust in institutions. [Fraser Valley Today]

💔 A male pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle on Lougheed Highway in Mission on Saturday evening, with driver impairment ruled out. [Fraser Valley Today]

💊 Fraser Health issued a toxic drug advisory after detecting medetomidine—a sedative 200 times more potent than xylazine with effects irreversible by naloxone—in the unregulated opioid supply across the Fraser Valley. [Agassiz Harrison Observer]

💰 Simon Fraser University completed fossil fuel divestment of its portfolios as of June 30, 2025, transitioning over $1.2 billion in investments and achieving a 74% carbon footprint reduction since 2016. [SFU]

🥊 River City Boxing hosts the "River City Rumble" on January 31 at Silverdale Hall featuring 14 fights including nine local fighters and five making their amateur debuts. [Mission City Record]

📚 Langley Literacy Network hosts a free literacy fair on January 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Timms Community Centre featuring author readings and activities. [Langley Advance Times]

🔥 Emergencies are sudden, urgent, and unexpected. Learn how to prepare in advance with FVRD’s FireSmart, Emergency Notifications, Emergency Management Plan, Hazard Report, and more resources.*

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🗓 Things to do

Moto Canada Vancouver: Vancouver's premier motorcycle show runs January 16-18 at the Vancouver Convention Centre featuring new bikes, custom builds, gear vendors, and industry experts, with tickets available online starting at $20 for adults.

Chilliwack Home + Life Show: The Chilliwack Home + Life Show returns to Heritage Park January 16-18 with over 100 exhibitors showcasing home improvement, renovation, and lifestyle products and services for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.

The Wizard of Oz: Follow Dorothy down the yellow brick road at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on January 15-18 in this timeless musical adventure featuring beloved characters and classic songs from the Emerald City to Kansas.

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