| A new development in northeast Abbotsford has been green-lighted by council. 🗺 Tyler Olsen/Bing maps
THE AGENDA
SANDY HILL DEVELOPMENT APPROVED
Another large new development in eastern Abbotsford has received the go-ahead. Council approved a plan to build two apartment buildings and a large townhouse complex in the city’s Sandy Hill neighbourhood. The Old Clayburn Road project would have 156 apartment units, and 162 townhomes. One of the apartments would also feature commercial space on its ground floor.
The development is slated for six hectares of land that have been farmed in the past, but which are now surrounded by single-family homes. The project would see the creation of a small local park and a new sidewalk along Old Clayburn Road. The local elementary and middle schools are over capacity, but the school district has told the city that enrolment is declining.
The developer said the project will increase affordability and act as a "hub" for the community. But one resident told council that the area lacks both walkable amenities and regular transit, meaning residents will be
dependent on cars. "When you’re talking about affordability, it’s not just building houses," Sophie Kerrigan said. "What is in proximity to those areas?" Residents also expressed concern about drainage issues.
Council unanimously approved the project (Mayor Henry Braun and Coun. Brenda Falk were absent). Coun. Ross Siemens acknowledged "growing pains" caused by growth in the area and said the city was working to address them.
SENIORS PROGRAMS IN LANGLEY & ABBOTSFORD GET FUNDING
New seniors programs are coming to Langley and Abbotsford. In Abbotsford, a cultural sports and activities exchange geared towards seniors will be created. In Langley, a skill- and story-sharing program is in the works. The provincial government has given Langley and Abbotsford $15,000 each to support the projects. The two
communities are the only ones in the Fraser Valley to receive funding from the Age-friendly Communities Grant Program. Thirty-five other BC communities also received funding.
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