Monday - Jan 26 - $12M to Abbotsford Middle

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Abbotsford Middle School just opened eight new classrooms, adding 200 seats as the city braces for a population expected to surpass 200,000 in the next decade. Today's feature looks at how the $12 million expansion fits into the province's $80 million investment to create 1,000 new school seats across Abbotsford over the last eight years.

Meanwhile in Chilliwack, the school district is dealing with its own capacity crunch—some schools are running at more than double their functional capacity, and trustees will decide on January 27 whether to move forward with public consultation on a plan to balance enrolment across the district.

– Emily

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News & Features

200 seats added to Abbotsford Middle School

Eight new classrooms are now open at Abbotsford Middle School, creating spots for an additional 200 students. 

Construction on the two-storey addition began last spring, connecting to the east side of the existing building. It includes flexible collaboration space on each floor, an elevator, washrooms and mechanical space. 

The school also received a new basketball court and playground as part of the upgrades.

Education Minister Lisa Beare says the new spaces will help meet the city’s growing demand for school space.

Abbotsford is one of the Fraser Valley’s fastest growing municipalities—in the next decade, the population is expected to surpass 200,000.

To keep up with the growth, the province has spent $80 million to create 1,000 additional seats in the last eight years. Of this funding, $12 million went toward the Abbotsford Middle upgrades. 

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Need to Know

🏫 Chilliwack School District will seek board approval on January 27 to conduct public consultation on a draft plan to balance school enrolment, with several schools including Cheam Elementary at 217% capacity and Chilliwack Secondary at 135%. [Chilliwack School District]

🏆 Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce CEO Alex Mitchell was recognized as a recipient of 'The West 20' by the Western Canada Economic Forum for her leadership in regional advocacy and championing Fraser Valley investments. [Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce]

🚨 A youth was hospitalized with serious injuries after an apparent targeted assault with a weapon at Willowbrook Mall in Langley on Saturday afternoon, with police saying there is no ongoing risk to the public. [Langley RCMP]

💛 The fourth annual Hearts of Gold Gala will be held February 7 at Evergreen Hall in Chilliwack to raise money for childhood cancer research, after bringing in $137,000 over the past three years. [Chilliwack Progress]

🚒 A 37-year-old Mission man was arrested after interfering with firefighters working to extinguish a large backyard fire on Dewdney Trunk Road on January 14, with police saying the intoxicated man was previously banned from obtaining burning permits. [Mission Record]

🌷 Chilliwack farmer Corne Quik of Quik's Farm Ltd. was named the BC/Yukon Outstanding Young Farmer for 2026, recognized for excellence in floral agriculture at an operation that employs approximately 150 staff. [Chilliwack Progress]

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🗓 Things to do

Crochet Workshop - Love Bugs: Learn the magic ring foundation stitch and create a Valentine's Day love bug on Wednesday, January 28 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Fox & Thistle Mercantile in Chilliwack for $35, with all materials provided.

Live Cafe Wednesday featuring Duane Watson: Enjoy live music on Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 PM at Silver Chalice Pub in Hope.

Tyson Ray Borsboom - Sidestage Live Music Series: Canadian folk-Americana singer-songwriter performs on Thursday, January 29 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Sidekick Brewing in Chilliwack with $6 beers all day.

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