In Abbotsford, three mayoral candidates engaged in a debate focused on business issues and obstacles to growth prior to the upcoming municipal election on October 17. The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce organized the debate and presented priorities gathered from its members to the candidates – Ross Siemens, Paul Mahil, and Sukhi Dhami.
During the debate, the candidates, each with business experience, fielded questions on enhancing the city’s infrastructure, boosting economic development, expanding amenities, addressing street disorder, and expediting approval processes. When discussing strategies to streamline approval processes within their first 100 days in office, Mahil proposed hiring an integrity officer to enhance transparency and expedite permits for commercial developers and companies.
Siemens, the incumbent mayor, highlighted ongoing modernization efforts in the permit process and suggested a concierge service for businesses to navigate permit-related provincial connections efficiently. Dhami criticized a perceived “roadblock culture” at city hall and recommended the formation of a stakeholders committee and engaging a consultant to review and enhance the permit process to foster business innovation and increase the tax base.
David Hohn, a local business owner, expressed concerns about rising fees, pointing out significant cost increases in registering companies within the town. Apart from business-related issues, residents emphasized the need for increased support for the unhoused population, improved recreational facilities, and amenity spaces.
When discussing infrastructure, Siemens emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to infrastructure development to avoid excessive debt and tax hikes, while Mahil and Dhami advocated for revenue generation to address aging infrastructure, rising homelessness, and public safety concerns.
Dhami called for a shift towards a more business-friendly environment to attract investments and improve community amenities. Notably, a fourth mayoral candidate, David Pellikaan, was excluded from the debate, with the Chamber of Commerce citing criteria such as engagement in the election process and previous conduct for invitation decisions.
Overall, the debate highlighted differing perspectives on key issues facing Abbotsford, from business growth and infrastructure development to social support services and community well-being.