Wednesday - Feb 18 - Extortion crisis

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Good morning,

Abbotsford Police Chief Colin Watson is calling on multiple levels of government to act faster on the extortion crisis gripping the Fraser Valley, saying police reforms, better access to communications information, and long-term funding are all needed to address what he calls an urgent public safety concern.

On a lighter note, Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Association is offering a free introductory speed skating program for girls and women of all ages in Abbotsford — no experience required, with loaner equipment and trained coaches provided.

– Emily

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News & Features

Abbotsford police chief calls for more support from elected officials on extortion crisis

As the extortion crisis continues to escalate in the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford Police Department Chief Colin Watson says police reforms, better communication, and predictable funding are needed from multiple levels of government.

Watson says he wants to see changes to disclosure requirements, improved access to communications information, increased resourcing throughout the justice system, and the modernization of the Criminal Code. 

“Reforms and long-term, predictable, and sustained investment across the justice sector will make a difference and prevent us [from] having very similar conversations about critical public safety concerns that we have been having over the recent past,” said Watson in a statement.

He says some of these steps are underway but that the urgency of the crisis “demands faster, coordinated action.”

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Need to Know

⚡ At 29, UFV alumnus Martin Mwariga has become one of only 1,810 Class A Master Electricians in BC and the youngest member of the leadership team at Modular Electric, working his way up from apprentice to project manager. [UFV]

🥁 Chilliwack powwow drum group Bad Eagle has been nominated for a Juno Award in the Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year category, becoming the first BC powwow group to receive the nomination. [Chilliwack Progress]

💼 A Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce survey of 238 businesses found that while 96 per cent plan to stay in Mission, optimism dropped significantly from 87 per cent in 2024 to 55 per cent in 2025, largely due to tariff uncertainty. [Mission Record]

🚔 IHIT identified 48-year-old Kristopher Benson as the victim of a targeted shooting on Mellard Avenue in Chilliwack on February 15, with a second man remaining in hospital in stable condition. [Fraser Valley Today]

🏥 Chawathil First Nation Elder Carol Peters received Fraser Health's Lifetime Achievement Award after more than 20 years working to make healthcare more culturally safe for Indigenous patients, growing Fraser Health's Indigenous Health Team from a team of one to over 150 staff. [Hope Standard]

⛸️ Langley Township is hosting three sensory-friendly public skate sessions with dimmed lighting and reduced capacity at Aldergrove Community Centre on February 20, 27, and March 6 from 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM. [Langley Advance Times]

👋 Come say bonjour to Festival du Bois, March 6-8, Coquitlam's Mackin Park! Brilliant music and dance, kid's shows, delicious cuisine and more. See ya there!*

🌿 New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*

_{*Sponsored listing}

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🗓 Things to do

Blind Corners: Almsgiving Hope Cinema and Performance House screens Blind Corners, the story of Brett "The Blind Kid," on Friday, February 20 with doors opening at 6:30 PM and the film starting at 7:30 PM, tickets $10.

Girls on Blades: Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Association offers a free introductory speed skating program for girls and women of all ages and experience levels, running Mondays through March 11 in Abbotsford, with loaner equipment and NCCP-trained coaches provided.

Kenzie Jade - Sidestage Live Music: Chilliwack singer-songwriter Kenzie Jade brings soulful piano and vocals to Sidekick Brewing on Thursday, February 19 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, free admission.

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