Literature Review: Issues πŸ“°

Noo-kΓ³-kum (Mill Lake) in Abbotsford, September 13, 2021. Copyright Ross Brown.

An evolving literature review of articles from local journalists highlights current municipal and school district issues.

Index
Health - Healthcare
Health - Overdose Crisis


Housing and Homelessness


"Housing Crisis in the Fraser Valley," by Alyssa Smith, Ashlee Unrau, Andrea Sadowski and Bradley Duncan, Cascade - May 4, 2022

"B.C. posts highest rate of unaffordable housing as ownership declines across Canada," by The Canadian Press, Abbotsford News - September 21, 2022


Refer to the scatter chart, Long Term Rental Vacancy Rate and Rent, benchmarking Abbotsford with other municipalities: "Rental market remains extremely tight," by Leo Spalteholz, House Hunt Victoria - January 30, 2023

"Abbotsford part of B.C.’s rollout of new housing supply targets," by Wolf Depner, Abbotsford News - May 31, 2023


"‘System-level changes’ needed to address homelessness in Fraser Valley: report," by Dillon White, Mission Record, December 12, 2023

"Housing ministry lists Mission City Station for transit-oriented development," by Dillon White, Mission Record, January 8, 2024


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City Building Permit Processing and Planning

"Emails show BC Housing frustration with City of Abbotsford over modular housing," by Dustin Godfrey, Abbotsford News - May 15, 2019

"Abbotsford puts squeeze on new homes in established neighbourhoods," by Tyler Olsen, Abbotsford News - July 5, 2019

"City of Abbotsford looks at ways to reduce wait times for building permits," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - June 29, 2022

"Two apartment buildings hint at new housing challenges in Abbotsford," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - July 20, 2022

Example for Abbotsford: "One B.C. city's answer to speed up housing: Get humans out of the way," by Dan Fumano, Vancouver Sun - April 23, 2023

"Mission overtakes Abbotsford & Chilliwack on new home builds," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current, May 11, 2023

Tweet by Fraser Valley Current Editor, Tyler Olsen, with data highlighting a decline in Abbotsford housing starts - September 26, 2023

Tweet by Fraser Valley Current Editor Tyler Olsen, with data highlighting Abbotsford's home building pace vs. the five-year target - September 26, 2023

Tweet by Fraser Valley Current Editor Tyler Olsen, highlighting a proposal to increase residential lot size in response to new provincial legislation allowing four-plexes on lots - April 12, 2024 [this would increase housing, transportation and municipal operating costs - RB]

"Abbotsford council critical of province’s housing targets," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - May 22, 2024

"Abbotsford to consider streamlined secondary-suite program," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - July 29, 2024

"Abbotsford seeks input about proposed hikes in development cost charges," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - August 29, 2024

Example for Abbotsford: "How Kelowna is showing the nation how to speed up new home construction," by Rob Munro, In Home - October 8, 2023
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Government of British Columbia-Owned Housing

"Questions after ICBC sells affordable rental complex in central Abbotsford to developers," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - February 2, 2022

"ICBC sale of housing tied to First Nation’s plans for old hospital site, province says," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - February 11, 2022

Twitter commentary thread by Tyler Olsen, Editor of Fraser Valley Current - February 11, 2022
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Shelters, Affordable Housing and Associated Services

"Waitlist for affordable housing has doubled in last 5 years," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - June 22, 2021

"Abbotsford’s ‘street mom,’ police officer and others engage in homelessness discussion," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - October 25, 2022

Example for Abbotsford: "Interior shelter operators call for change, say winter mat shelters a 'futile' solution," by Jon Manchester, Castanet - November 4, 2022

"Fraser Valley windchill set to hit -20 C amid call for more shelters," by Joti Grewal, Fraser Valley Current - December 1, 2022


Opinion: "Would my dad have survived today’s mental-health system? Probably not," by Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun - February 10, 2023


"Devastating Report Cites BC Housing Mismanagement," by Jen St. Denis and Andrew MacLeod, Tyee - May 8, 2023

Example for Abbotsford: "‘Impactful and beautiful’: how US homeless shelters are getting a radical redesign," by Sarah Sloat, Guardian - June 26, 2023

"Abbotsford council votes against retaining 20 emergency-shelter beds," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - July 25, 2023


"Plans move to next stage for 61-unit supportive-housing project in Abbotsford," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - July 28, 2023 [Remark: A net gain of only 21 units, or one unit if the emergency shelter beds are considered.]

"Abbotsford council to reconsider decision on emergency-shelter beds," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - August 29, 2023

"Emergency shelter to stay after Abbotsford council reverses prior decision," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - September 27, 2023

"Abbotsford shelters already full before December," CBC News - November 24, 2023



"Former Abbotsford hotel to become 59-unit emergency shelter," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - June 7, 2024 [Located at Highway 1 and 11 across from Lonzo Road. Long-time Abbotsford residents may better know this property as the Best Western Bakerview Inn and Crossroads Restaurant]

"Abbotsford petition asks city to designate land for homeless camp," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - July 29, 2024
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Highway 1 Rest and Truck Stops

Clearbrook Road and Highway 1:


"Abbotsford police seeing increase in multi-generational homelessness," by Michele Brunoro, CTV News - September 28, 2023

"Homeless camp to be cleared out on Highway 1 in Abbotsford," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - October 17, 2023



Lonzo Road at Highway 1 and 11:

"City decision leads to closure of Abbotsford drop-in centre for unhoused people," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - August 30, 2022

"Violence at Fraser Valley Homeless Camp," CTV News - March 22, 2023


"‘We don’t think it’s safe’: B.C. to help Abbotsford clear out ‘problematic’ encampment," by Elizabeth McSheffrey and Kamil Karamali, Global News - May 23, 2023





"Lonzo Road encampment in Abbotsford to be cleared out and new shelter built," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - June 13, 2023


"Decampment deadline arrives at Abbotsford’s Lonzo Road site," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - June 26, 2023

"B.C. leaders urged to halt planned evictions at Abbotsford homeless encampment," CBC News - June 26, 2023

"Are evictions from Abbotsford homeless camp illegal? Lawyers think so," by Nathan Griffiths, Vancouver Sun - June 26, 2023

"Abbotsford’s Lonzo Road encampment dismantled," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - June 28, 2023

"Lonzo camp: Will Abbotsford's new temporary shelter open on time?" By Michele Brunoro, CTV News - September 26, 2023


Bradner, westbound on Highway 1:



"Encampment in Abbotsford highway rest area to be displaced for construction," by Simon Little & Janet Brown, Global News - March 21, 2024 [The Mayor's statement is incorrect. The City has unleased airport land available since 1997, including a campground utilized for an air show about one week annually. - RB, March 22, 2024]

"Encampment at Abbotsford’s Bradner rest area displaced for construction," by Ryleigh Mulvihill, Abbotsford News - April 5, 2024

"People living at Highway 1 rest stop given 2 weeks to leave," by Rob Easton, CBC News - July 12, 2024


Cole Road, eastbound on Highway 1:

"Living at a rest stop," by Thomas Wilson, Fraser Valley Current - May 24, 2023

"B.C. rest areas, park-and-rides fill with people who can't afford a home," by Glenda Luymes, Vancouver Sun - May 25, 2023

"Encampment at B.C. rest stop," CTV News - February 12, 2024
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First Nations - Truth and Reconciliation


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Sumas Mountain


"Local First Nation asked court to halt expropriation next to sacred site," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - March 25, 2021
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"Abbotsford council votes down motion related to truth and reconciliation," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - July 13, 2021

"Abbotsford woman provides quiet opportunity for reflection on residential schools," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - September 30, 2023

"Reconciliation program from UFV built on unique collaboration with StΓ³:lō," by Jennifer Feinberg, Chilliwack Progress - February 8, 2023 

Further reading: McKee Neighbourhood Plan on Sumas Mountain, the traditional and unceded territory of Sumas First Nation.


Economy


"How much does each Fraser Valley community make?" By Grace Kennedy, Fraser Valley Current - August 12, 2022

"Fraser Valley low-income earners doing better than five years ago," by Grace Kennedy, Fraser Valley Current - September 16, 2022


Food Prices and Farmland Speculation


"Big homes, low property taxes affecting farming in Abbotsford: report," by Tyler Olsen, Abbotsford News - October 2, 2016



"The ALC said NO... Again!" Bradner Barker - April 30, 2018

"Abbotsford farmland has ‘redevelopment’ potential, says seller seeking $20M," by Tyler Olsen, Abbotsford News - July 8, 2018

"UFV’s food insecurity," by Joel Robertson-Taylor, Cascade - March 27, 2019

"Food insecurity in the Fraser Valley," by Andrea Sadowski and Chandy Dancey, Cascade - January 26, 2022

"New study shows Abbotsford has highest farm sales per hectare in Canada," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - May 25, 2022

"Why a gravel parking lot costs $15 million—the same as a luxury estate," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - April 24, 2023


Opinion: "Evan Fraser: B.C. could become a food superpower. Instead, we are losing entire crops," by Evan Fraser, Vancouver Sun - August 8, 2024


Transportation - Goods and Services Movement - Commercial Truck Parking


"Truck parking in Abbotsford leads to big rig dilemma," by Alex Butler, Abbotsford News - April 26, 2015

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Truck parking and Whatcom Road Highway 1 Exit 95 traffic issues that hinder goods and services movement due to traffic induced by urban sprawl on Sumas Mountain: "Ag land on First Nations reserve cleared for new truck parking," by Kelvin Gawley, Abbotsford News - September 9, 2017 | Related: Sumas Mountain McKee Neighbourhood Plan literature review, a proposal for additional sprawl.

Remark: According to the Abbotsford Transit Exchange Planning Technical Memo (Draft), page 16, dated February 2020, a transit exchange is planned for the truck parking site at Highway 1 Whatcom Road Exit 95. Reference: FOI 2022-295
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Truck stop parking: "Woman vows to continue fight against illegally parked truckers," by Kelvin Gawley, Abbotsford News - April 3, 2018

"Council won’t budge on two-truck parking limit for Abbotsford farms," by Tyler Olsen, Abbotsford News - October 3, 2019

"Carrot and stick: Abbotsford’s radical strategy to bring order to lawless farm properties," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - February 28, 2022

"Commercial truck business in B.C. is booming but drivers say they're running out of places to park," by Baneet Braich, CBC News - October 4, 2022


Further Reading: Transportation Posts


Transportation - People Movement


First Person: "A walkers perspective," by Patrick Oystryk, Manitoba-Matsqui - March 4, 2016

"Most new transportation spending remains focused on Abbotsford’s roadways," by Tyler Olsen, Abbotsford News - July 29, 2018

"VIDEO: Abbotsford drivers cut into bike lanes on [a] neighbourhood street," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - October 17, 2019 / Note: Click on the word "VIDEO" to view.

"Hundreds of Abbotsford students being left behind daily by school bus driver shortage," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - February 13, 2023

"No reopening date yet for Abbotsford road that closed 12 days after it opened," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - February 21, 2023


"Fraser Valley Regional District to develop active transportation plan," by Jennifer Feinberg, Chilliwack Progress (published in The Abbotsford News) - August 4, 2023

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Highway 1

"Multi-million dollar Highway 1 expansion won’t ease congestion, expert says," by Kelvin Gawley, Abbotsford News - June 10, 2017

Tweet: "MATH: What’s the full cost of this 5 km #Vancouver commute?" By Brent Toderian, TODERIAN UrbanWORKS - April 12, 2023

"Bikes, buses, trucks and transit: New details on highway widening in the Fraser Valley," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - August 4, 2023

"Delays forecast for Fraser Valley highway widening project," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - August 11, 2023
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Transit

"Unreliable and infrequent: Abbotsford bus driver says system isn’t good enough," by Kelvin Gawley, Abbotsford News - August 5, 2017 / Remark: A new transit yard has since opened, although outcomes are similar. RB - October 4, 2022

"In need of ‘harambee’: A Kenyan architect thinks Abbotsford’s transit system has room to grow," by Tyler Olsen, Abbotsford News - August 28, 2019

"New exchanges will funnel Langley bus riders to SkyTrain stations (But Abbotsford and Chilliwack commuters will still be routed to Burnaby)," by Joti Grewal, Fraser Valley Current - March 20, 2023

"‘Emergency’ fix needed for popular Fraser Valley-to-SkyTrain connector," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - May 9, 2023


Future policy decisions needed for rail transit: "BC government study identifies potential West Coast Express extension and regional rail options between Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley," by Kenneth Chan, Daily Hive - March 19, 2024

BC Transit is implementing a new payment system; issues raised by Kelowna Council members may be similar to pending issues for BC Transit service in Abbotsford and Mission:

"Kelowna council defers decision on new transit fare package," by Wayne Moore, Castanet - February 7, 2023

"BC Transit provides options after council rejects new transfer system," by Wayne Moore, Castanet - May 5, 2023
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Further Reading: Transit Labour Relations Issues and Transportation Posts


Urban Development - Major Projects


Further Reading: Cooper Farm, McKee Neighbourhood Plan and Urban Development Posts

"Massive Sumas Mountain development given go-ahead," by Tyler Olsen, Abbotsford News - August 30, 2016

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"Two decades of change: Abbotsford," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - July 19, 2023


Recreation Facilities and Fields


"Ideas for Mill Lake in Abbotsford include removing boardwalk and pool," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - October 2, 2023

"Abbotsford in Action: Searching for solutions to recreation puzzle," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford news - March 5, 2024

"McMillan Skate Park users launch petition for resurfacing," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - July 22, 2024

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Fields

"City ends agreement with Abbotsford school district over Mouat Secondary’s turf field," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - January 7, 2022

School District 34 Press Release: "Board restricts the use of artificial turf sports field." - June 21, 2022

"Community groups now restricted from booking Abbotsford Senior turf field," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - June 24, 2022

"Abbotsford’s Valley Attack field lacrosse finds new home after turf turmoil," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - July 26, 2022

"City and school board reach tentative agreement over Abbotsford turf fields," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - April 12, 2024
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Pools

"Plug pulled on Matsqui Village pool," Abbotsford News - January 26, 2011




"Abbotsford needs more pools, according to new report," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - November 5, 2023
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Further Reading: Recreation Facilities & Fields and Tradex Posts


City Operations and Infrastructure Planning


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Scientific poll example for Abbotsford: "District of Peachland to poll residents," by Pat Blumer, Castanet - August 30, 2024
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Journalist access to time-sensitive emergency information: "‘Abbotsford Newshound’ fades to black," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - June 10, 2020

Event and records systems and management: "Fraser Valley Pride event comes to Mission after dispute with City of Abbotsford," by Patrick Penner, Abbotsford News - June 8, 2022

Operation systems: "Downed tree blocks Abbotsford trail for several days," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - October 3, 2022

"Abbotsford firefighters sounding alarm over lack of resources," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - September 22, 2022

"New $150 million Abbotsford courthouse has lead-tainted drinking water," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - February 13, 2022

"Abbotsford legal costs have more than tripled since 2021," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - May 24, 2024

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City Police Operations ~ the Mayor of Abbotsford and the Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General of British Columbia are the elected officials responsible.

"As BC's 9-1-1 agency struggles, callers wait longer to report crimes & get help," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - April 12, 2023

Evidence management: "Abbotsford hog-farm protesters appeal break-and-enter convictions," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - May 1, 2023

"Calls grow to improve 9-1-1 service," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - May 15, 2023
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Further Reading: City Operations and Infrastructure Planning Posts. Refer to the Housing and Homelessness literature review for City Building Permit Processing and Planning related to housing.


Schools



Privatization: "Abbotsford’s Yale Hockey Academy now operating independently of school district," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - February 9, 2023

Autism: "Abbotsford mom fighting for 12-year-old autistic son’s right to an education," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - April 3, 2023

Example of cognitive learning for Abbotsford: "Ontario teachers could be the ones doing the learning as cursive makes mandatory return to curriculum," by Joseph Pugh, CBC News - July 1, 2023



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Capacity

"Elementary and middle school enrolment still on the rise in Abbotsford," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - September 26, 2022

"More room needed at three Abbotsford schools, staff report outlines," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - May 25, 2023
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Social

"Abbotsford Senior Art Activism class examines racism," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - June 1, 2021


"Abbotsford school board chair speaks about discrimination on eve of Women’s Day," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - March 8, 2023
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Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)

"Abbotsford school superintendent explains SOGI as misinformation circulates," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - October 12, 2023

"Abbotsford anti-SOGI protests sharing misinformation, inciting hate: Educators," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - October 19, 2023

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Mental and Physical Health


Opinion: "The real reason why kids stopped walking to school," by Uytae Lee, Daily Hive Vancouver - May 4, 2023


Example for Abbotsford: "More students seeking mental health help in School District 22," by Tracey Prediger, Castanet - June 11, 2023

"B.C. to restrict use of mobile phones in public schools," by Tiffany Crawford, Katie DeRosa, Vancouver Sun - January 26, 2024

"Abbotsford school board votes in favour of restricting cellphone use in schools," by Ryleigh Mulvihill, Abbotsford News - February 15, 2024
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Further Reading: Schools Posts


Overdose Crisis


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"Pedestrian seriously injured after being struck by pickup truck in Abbotsford," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - August 31, 2018

"Abbotsford trustee speaks out about son's overdose death to help others," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - August 31, 2022

"A life. A smile. A son." By Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - January 11, 2023



"B.C. school trustee shares story of son’s overdose death in powerful video," by Simon Little and Grace Ke, Global News - April 12, 2023

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"Six people in Abbotsford died of toxic drug overdose this January," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - March 7, 2023


"Number of deaths due to drug overdose hits 30 in Abbotsford," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - May 21, 2023

"Unregulated drug deaths continue to rise in eastern Fraser Valley communities," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - June 20, 2023

"'People switch off the grief': coroners' report shows grim toll on homeless communities," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - January 4, 2024

"Abbotsford report: More readily available detox and treatment beds needed," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - September 17, 2024

Further Reading: Healthcare Posts and Literature Review


Crime


"Abbotsford-Mission records same number of killings as 2008 ‘murder capital’ stats," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - September 8, 2022



"Crime severity index up in Abbotsford-Mission region," by Dillon White, Mission Record, August 24, 2023

"Abbotsford-Mission crime rate increases 11.27 percent year-over-year," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - July 26, 2024

Often there is a correlation between crime and the supply of housing and food and other factors like healthcare services and good urban and transportation planning.


Healthcare


"Hospital upgrades, property taxes, and a ‘broken system,’" by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - April 26, 2022

"A decade of failure: data shows Fraser Health ER troubles are uniquely bad," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - June 2, 2023

Further Reading: Healthcare Posts and an in-depth Literature Review


Natural Environment and Climate Change


First Person: "Wetlands Threatened by Expanding Industustrial Developments on Langley and Abbotsford Border," by Brit Gardner, Bradner Barker - May 7, 2019

"Abbotsford council declines to declare climate emergency," by Tyler Olsen, Abbotsford News - June 25, 2019

Opinion: "We need to take meat off our plates; the climate crisis demands it," by Megan Johnstone, Cascade - May 4, 2022

"The (turtle) battle of Mill Lake," by Grace Giesbrecht, Fraser Valley Current - March 28, 2023 [A proposed by-law restricting turtle sales at pet stores in Abbotsford was proposed in 2013; however, it was defeated. Reference report EDP091-2013, file 3900-20]


"Drones, helicopters, climate change: The world of mosquito-fighting," by Joti Grewal, Fraser Valley Current - July 25, 2023


"Destructive Japanese beetle found in Abbotsford," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - September 20, 2024

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Heat and Drought

"The Fraser Valley has been warming at a quicker rate than Vancouver. Why?" By Tyler Olsen, Abbotsford News - October 18, 2020

"Nearly 80 Fraser Valley residents died in the summer’s wave," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - November 2, 2021

Related: "'No country is safe': Major climate study warns extreme heat death has surged 72% in Canada," by Stefan LabbΓ©, Glacier Media - October 26, 2022

"Are a lack of trees driving away the Fraser Valley's summer rain?" By Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current, April 14, 2023

"Dire drought warning for BC amid 'outlier' weather, rapid snowmelt," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current, June 9, 2023

"DATA: Fraser Valley summers are twice as dry than 30 years ago," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current, July 6, 2023

Related: "Tragically, BC Ignored Lessons of 2009’s Killer Heat Wave," by Jordan Kovacs and Jimmy Thomson, Tyee - July 17, 2023

"The lawn dilemma," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - September 19, 2023

"Abbotsford experiences warmest December on record," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - January 4, 2024

"2023 was the hottest year on record — by a long shot," by Nicole Mortillaro, CBC News - January 9, 2024

"Abbotsford records its highest daily snowfall in 16 years," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - January 18, 2024

"Extreme cold and climate change: What's the deal?" By Emily Chung, CBC News - January 19, 2024

"Abbotsford recorded as Canada’s hot spot on Monday (Jan. 29)," by Ben Lypka, Abbotsford News - January 30, 2024

"Abbotsford council to consider more-stringent water restrictions," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - April 8, 2024

Related to the City's tree canopy and green space: McKee Neighbourhood Plan
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Sumas Prairie Flooding

"Sumas Lake, the Nooksack River, and the historic roots of a 21st Century disaster," by Tyler Olsen and Grace Kennedy, Fraser Valley Current - November 17, 2021 [This article won a 2022 Webster Award in the category of Excellence in Feature/Enterprise Reporting – Print/Online]

"Sumas First Nation built on higher ground, unaffected by flooding in former lake bed, says chief," by Michelle Gomez, CBC News - November 19, 2021

"US floodway lays out route for floodwaters between Nooksack and Canadian border," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - January 25, 2022

"Unpacking Abbotsford’s flood risk," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - June 2, 2022

Part one of two: "The Life and Times of the Nooksack River," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - August 29, 2022

Part two of two: "Why stopping Sumas Prairie from flooding is ‘not politically feasible,'" by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - October 6, 2022

"Lots of politics but 'no real plan' to prevent more catastrophic flooding, say B.C. farmers," by Padraig Moran, CBC News - November 1, 2022


"Sumas Prairie flood lawsuit continues to move toward class action," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - January 11, 2023

"Federal disaster aid program for 2021 B.C. floods now tops $1 billion," by The Canadian Press, Abbotsford News - February 23, 2023

"Abbotsford mayor says Sumas and Nooksack watersheds deserve federal attention," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - February 27, 2023



"Crossborder Nooksack flooding talks have yet to start, a year after they were announced," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - April 28, 2023


"Abbotsford plans to apply for up to $400M in flood-mitigation funding," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - July 7, 2023

"Funding approved for high-water warning system in Abbotsford," by Jessica Peters, Abbotsford News - July 11, 2023

"What an international Nooksack agreement means (and doesn't mean)," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - October 23, 2023

"How Sumas Prairie is more protected than two years ago," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - November 7, 2023



"Abbotsford gets $76.6M from province for pump-station upgrades," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - February 14, 2024

"Nooksack flood risk to 'increase drastically' by 2080," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - April 9, 2024

"Crossborder Nooksack teams have met 10 times since October," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - May 17, 2024


"Open floodgates allowed Fraser to flood Sumas Prairie in 2021, suit alleges," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - June 3, 2024



"After disaster strikes, how much is it worth to rebuild?" By Steph KwetΓ‘sel’wet Wood, Narwhal - June 4, 2024

"B.C. politicians debate reflooding Sumas Prairie," by Cathy Kearney, CBC News - June 8, 2024


Part 1: "The benefits, opportunities, costs and challenges of restoring Sumas Lake," by Tyler Olsen, Fraser Valley Current - June 11, 2024

"City of Abbotsford: Report 'misleading' on cost to restore Sumas Lake," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - June 20, 2024

"3 Fraser Valley MPs slam feds for denying Abbotsford flood funding," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - June 25, 2025

"Matsqui First Nation calls for Sumas Prairie flood study," by Vikki Hopes, Abbotsford News - July 31, 2024

Related British Columbia example: Columbia River Treaty
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Sumas Mountain Habitat ~ Spotted Owl

"Return of the owl: a decades-long fight finally brings the ‘messenger of the forest’ home," by Tyler Olsen and Grace Kennedy, Fraser Valley Current - January 19, 2022



"Canada rejects emergency order to save endangered spotted owls," by Sarah Cox, Narwhal - October 11, 2023


"Minister broke law over emergency order for spotted owl: judge," by Yasmine Ghania, CBC News - June 11, 2024

Related to Sumas Mountain habitats: McKee Neighbourhood Plan
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