🌧️ High 4°C

Good morning.

This morning’s issue includes the latest from the City of Abbotsford, including further downgrades to evacuation orders as conditions improve. We’re also sharing news that the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund has been reactivated, providing a centralized way for the community to support residents, businesses, and farmers affected by the flooding.

As always, we’ll stick to verified information and keep updates clear and timely as recovery continues.

– William

By the way, an FVC Insider membership is still 50% off – the more members we get, the more likely we can bring back daily coverage.

Traffic & Weather

🌤 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.

News

Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund reactivated following flood emergency

The Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund has been reactivated in response to ongoing flooding and the state of local emergency, with the Abbotsford Community Foundation, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, and University of the Fraser Valley once again working together to support affected residents, businesses, and farmers. The fund—last activated during the 2021 floods, when it raised more than $4.4 million—will serve as a centralized way for the community to contribute to recovery efforts, with donations now being accepted through the Abbotsford Community Foundation.

Learn more →

Need to Know

Flood update as of late Tuesday

The City of Abbotsford has downgraded Evacuation Orders for another 25 properties in Sumas Prairie, reflecting continued improvement in local flood conditions.

Those properties are now under Evacuation Alert, meaning residents may return but should remain prepared to leave on short notice if conditions change.

As of Tuesday afternoon:

• Evacuation Orders remain in place for 11 properties

• 474 properties remain under Evacuation Alert

The City’s interactive evacuation map, searchable by address, has been updated to reflect the current status of all affected properties.

As part of today’s downgrade, Rapid Damage Assessments were completed on homes in the affected area where flood impacts were observed. Of the homes assessed:

• 9 were rated green (safe to occupy)

• 6 were rated yellow (minor damage or safety concerns)

• No homes were rated red

These assessments focused on the exterior structure only, not interior spaces or secondary buildings such as barns or sheds. Residents returning home are encouraged to arrange further inspections through their insurance providers if needed. Additional guidance is available through the City’s Return Home resources.

Several road closures remain in effect, and drivers are urged to follow traffic control measures and avoid affected areas where possible. The City maintains an up-to-date list of closures on its website.

City staff, including the Emergency Operations Centre and field crews, continue to closely monitor river levels, dikes, roads, and weather conditions as recovery efforts continue.

Residents are encouraged to monitor updates at abbotsford.ca.

In Other News

💔 A GoFundMe has been launched to support the family of the victim killed in Monday’s Island 22 tragedy, as the Fraser Valley community rallies around those affected. [Fraser Valley Today]

⚡ More than 1,500 customers lost power Tuesday night between Mission and Agassiz as storms continued to batter the region. [Fraser Valley Today]

🚧 Frustration is growing in Abbotsford after repeated Highway 1 flood closures, with local officials saying no federal funding has been committed for long-term mitigation. [Global News]

🏛️ Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski defended Ottawa's flood response after Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens criticized federal inaction on mitigation, confirming $1 billion in reimbursements dispersed since 2021 with $4 billion more expected. [CBC News]

🍁 Clearing gutters and roof valleys helps to prevent water and snow buildup while reducing the risk of embers finding a place to ignite next season.*

🥫 Time’s running out! Donate to the Archway Food Bank by December 31st to help your neighbours in need and receive your 2025 tax receipt.*

*Sponsored Listing

Enjoying our newsletter? Help us make it even better!

Become an Insider member and help keep local journalism and storytelling alive in the Fraser Valley.

SPONSORED BY CITY OF ABBOTSFORD

Update from Abbotsford City Council

Check out some of the important work being done by Abbotsford City Council in the latest update of Your Council in the Community.

In the Valley

Updated weekly: Your guide to Fraser Valley holiday events

Holiday magic is happening all across the Fraser Valley this season. From tree lighting ceremonies and festive markets to concerts, parades, and family-friendly celebrations, there's no shortage of ways to embrace the spirit of the season. We've just updated this list with even more events—check out the new additions and keep sending us your community happenings to include!

What’s coming up →

🗓 Things to do

Elf Academy Kid's Craft Session: Kids aged 5-10 can join a holiday craft session on Saturday, December 20 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Minter Country Garden, creating paperwhite narcissus bulb planters, pinecone mobiles, and mason jar frosted lanterns for $14 (tax included), with registration required by December 15 at 604-792-6612 or in-store, limited to 15 students.

Santa Arrives by Tractor at Greendale Farm: Santa makes a festive entrance on a tractor on Thursday, December 18 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Greendale Farm, greeting families nightly at 4:00 PM with photos by donation to the local food bank.

Archway Polar Bear Plunge: Kick off the New Year with Archway Community Services' inaugural Polar Bear Plunge on Wednesday, January 1 at 12:00 PM (noon) at Albert Dyck Lake in Abbotsford, with a $10 minimum donation to participate and a limited-edition toque for those who raise $100 or more, supporting the Community Action Fund for essential programs.

Have an event to tell us about? Email [email protected].

Catch up

That’s it!

Thanks for reading Fraser Valley Current today ♥️ 

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to another local.

Help share The Current

Wouldn’t the Fraser Valley be better if more people had access to local, quality news – and didn’t have to rely on social media? Share The Current with your friends and help us build better communities.