Issue #1 Thursday May 21st, 2026
Local Youth and Officers Bond at Abbotsford Fish Farm
The Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment's Indigenous Policing Services teamed up with local youth for the first-ever "Fishing with a Cop" initiative.
The event brought more than 24 Grade 5 and 6 students from Seabird Island Community School out to Silverbrook Fish Farm right here in Abbotsford for a day focused on hands-on learning, the outdoors, and mentorship.
Highlights of the Day
Cultural Connection: The idea actually came directly from the students during recent school visits, who expressed a strong interest in learning more about fishing—a foundational part of their culture.
Hands-on Learning: Alongside Const. Bradley Holditch and fish farm staff, the students took a full tour of the facility, learned core principles of environmental stewardship, and practiced safe, responsible fishing before catching their own fish.
Trust Building: Organizers noted that stepping outside the formal classroom or standard sports programs to share a personal passion in nature was a massive success for building open, positive communication between local youth and law enforcement.
"It's the best kind of day when we can connect with youth in this kind of environment that's truly centred around having fun."
— Const. Bradley Holditch, UFVRD Indigenous Policing Services
A History Minute
Someone asked this question!
“When did the Town of Clearbrook become Annexed to Abbotsford?”
Clearbrook was never actually its own independent town, so it was never technically "annexed" by Abbotsford.
Instead, Clearbrook’s journey into Abbotsford happened in 1995 through a massive regional amalgamation.
If you look back at the history books, you won’t find an official "Town of Clearbrook" municipal hall. For most of its modern history, the bustling commercial and cultural hub of Clearbrook was actually an unincorporated community sitting inside the boundaries of a completely different municipality: the District of Matsqui.
The unification of Clearbrook and Abbotsford didn't happen because Abbotsford swallowed up a smaller town—it happened when two neighboring giant districts finally joined forces.
In 1924 The Village of Abbotsford incorporated. Abbotsford is born as a tiny, 160-acre village. Clearbrook is still farmland to the west, officially sitting inside the District of Matsqui (which was incorporated way back in 1892).
In 1972 was the First Amalgamation. The Village of Abbotsford merges with the District of Sumas to create the District of Abbotsford. Clearbrook remains a distinct neighborhood inside Matsqui.
January 1, 1995 The Grand Amalgamation
The District of Abbotsford and the District of Matsqui officially merge. This historical union creates the modern City of Abbotsford we know today, finally bringing Clearbrook and Downtown Abbotsford under a single city banner.
Fun Fact: While the "Town of Clearbrook" wasn't a formal municipality, it did have its own independent utility! The Clearbrook Waterworks District was incorporated in 1953 to provide water to the growing local community. Clearbrook's independent water system is famous worldwide, routinely winning the "Best Tasting Municipal Water in the World" title at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting event.
Steam and Sugar Bake Co. - Baked//Brewed// Blessed
Indulge in fresh, flaky croissants, dreamy danishes, and bold coffee right in the heart of historic downtown Abbotsford. At Steam & Sugar Bake Co., we craft every pastry from scratch with a sprinkle of joy. Stop by for a cozy lunch or a sweet treat today! Open Wednesday–Sunday, 8am–4pm.
Unit #103 - 2636 Montrose Avenue
Downtown Abbotsford
Learn more at https://steamandsugarbakeco.ca/
OPENING SOON!
Tired of Rushed, Assembly-Line Vet Clinics That Traumatize Your Pet?
Most veterinary clinics today feel like a corporate factory. You're rushed in, rushed out, and left with a massive bill and a terrified pet.
Mill Lake Veterinary Clinic is changing the rules.
Opening June 2026, we are proudly locally owned, owner-operated, and fiercely independent. We believe your pet deserves unhurried, elite care. Here is our three-part promise to you:
Fear-Free Certified Care: Scientifically proven methods to eliminate the stress and terror of vet visits.
Mobile & Home Visits: We bring world-class care directly to your living room.
Total Transparency: Clear, jargon-free communication and absolutely zero hidden surprises.
WARNING: Founding Member Spots Are Limited.
Because we refuse to rush our patients, we can only take on a limited number of clients. Don't get locked out.
Click Here to Join Our VIP Waitlist Now to secure your spot and get first priority booking when our doors open this June.
Your Weekend Weather
Here is the weather for the weekend as it stands now. You know what they say though….”If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.”
Thursday, May 21: ☀️ High: 23°C | Low: 11°C (Sunny day, partly cloudy night)
Friday, May 22: 🌤️ High: 24°C | Low: 11°C (Partly sunny day, mostly cloudy night)
Saturday, May 23: ☁️ High: 23°C | Low: 12°C (Cloudy)
Sunday, May 24: ☁️/🌧️ High: 18°C | Low: 12°C (Cloudy day, light rain at night)
Monday, May 25: 🌧️ High: 13°C | Low: 10°C (Light rain during the day, heavier showers at night)
Frugal Savings
Spotlight: BC Hydro’s New Energy-Efficiency Freebies
If you're looking to cut down on utility bills before the summer heat hits, BC Hydro just announced a new provincial push. They are offering free smart thermostats and direct cash incentives for upgrading home energy efficiency.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat can slash heating and cooling costs by up to 10% annually. If you have older baseboard heaters or an older central system, check your eligibility on the BC Hydro portal this week to claim yours without spending a dime.
You can already log in to your standard BC Hydro account online to join the behavioral reward programs that have been enhanced under Power Smart 2.0. Residential customers can earn up to $200 annually (and up to $325 for income-qualified households).
How to access:
Log into your MyHydro profile on the BC Hydro website.
Navigate to the "Rebates & Free Programs" section.
Sign up for Team Power Smart (commit to reducing usage by 10% over 12 months for a $50 credit) and enroll in Peak Saver challenges to earn bill credits by shifting your power usage during peak demand hours.
💡 Income-Qualified Free Upgrades: If you qualify under the income thresholds, you can skip the wait for the fall app. You can apply right now via the online portal for the Energy Conservation Assistance Program to get a free home energy assessment, weatherization upgrades, and localized advice.
Events This Weekend
Markets and Shopping
Spring Mango Market Artisan community market with over 100 vendors, live music, workshops, and food trucks.
When: Saturday & Sunday, All Day
Where: Ag-Rec Centre
Open· Closes 4:30 p.m
Fabric Rose Workshop Hands-on textile crafting session hosted during the artisan market weekend.
When: Saturday, 10:30 AM
Where: Ag-Rec Centre
Live Music & Entertainment
Amici After Dark Live Jazz Late-night performance featuring local jazz musicians in an intimate lounge setting.
When: Friday, 9:00 PM
Where: Amici Italian Osteria + Wine Bar
Opens 12 pm
Comedy At The Cabin 4 "Die Harder" themed stand-up comedy show showcasing local comedic talent.
When: Saturday, 10:00 AM
Music Bingo Fundraiser Burger and beer night featuring competitive music bingo to raise money for community initiatives.
When: Saturday, 6:00 PM
Where: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 265 (Aldergrove)
Active & Wellness
Bloom & Breathe Patio Yoga Grounding, all-levels morning yoga session hosted outdoors on the cafe patio.
When: Saturday, 8:00 AM
Where: Foxglove Floral Cafe
Run For Water Annual community run raising money for clean water projects, featuring various distance options.
When: Sunday, Morning 9 AM Start
Where: Mill Lake Park (Abbotsford)
Arts & Culture
Capella Dance Academy Year-End Show Choreographed dance showcase celebrating the culmination of the academy's season.
When: Friday, Evening
Where: Abbotsford Art Centre
Invasive Species Eco-Pull Community environmental cleanup volunteering event focused on removing invasive Italian Arum.
When: Saturday, 10:00 AM
Where: Fishtrap Creek Park
Gaming & Hobbies
All Ages Dungeons & Dragons Open-table, beginner-friendly tabletop roleplaying session hosted by local dungeon masters.
When: Sunday, 2:00 PM
Where: Boardwalk Cafe
That is it for this week. If you received value from this please share the link with your friends and family.
If there is anything you want to see added in your Newsletter let me know. Always glad to add more great content to help those living in Abbotsford.
Gratuitous Self Promotion: Before you toss that old, sluggish laptop into the recycling bin, give it a second chance! Often, all an older computer needs is a fresh SSD and a lightweight operating system to run like new again. I’m on a mission to keep as many computers out of the local landfill as possible.
Whether you need a hardware tune-up, file recovery, or general tech help, give me a call at 604-996-5887. Let's see if we can save your tech!