As Abbotsford prepares to elect its next Mayor and City Council, join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce on October 7 for an important evening focused on the future of our city and the issues that matter most to Abbotsford’s business community.
The evening will begin with a Council Candidate Mingle, providing business leaders, community stakeholders and residents with an opportunity to meet and connect directly with candidates seeking election to Abbotsford City Council.
The mingle will be followed by the 2026 Mayoral Debate, where mayoral candidates will take the stage to share their vision for Abbotsford and address the opportunities and challenges shaping our community.
Grounded in the Abbotsford Chamber’s Municipal Election Advocacy Agenda, the evening will focus on priorities important to our business community, including economic development and investment, housing and permitting, infrastructure and transportation, public safety, and Abbotsford’s overall competitiveness.
As the voice of approximately 850 local businesses, the Chamber is committed to ensuring the priorities of employers and entrepreneurs are part of the municipal election conversation.
This is your opportunity to meet the candidates seeking to represent you, hear directly from those seeking to lead our city, and make an informed decision before casting your vote on October 17.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.Doors Open / Council Candidate Mingle: 5:00 p.m.Mayoral Candidates Debate: 5:30–7:00 p.m.Council Candidate Mingle: resumes 7:00–8:00 p.m.Matsqui Centennial Auditorium | 32315 South Fraser Way
Free and open to the public
Moderator: Craig Toews
Craig Toews brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), where he led teams across Information Technology, Property Development, and Community Engagement. During UFV’s transition from college to university, he played a key role in major capital development projects, working with architects, engineers, and community partners to expand the university’s campuses and strengthen their sense of community. A capstone of his career was establishing UFV’s Property Trust to support the university’s long-term growth and mission.
Craig is known for his collaborative and inclusive leadership style and has a strong commitment to community and economic development. He served nine years on the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Board, including as Board Chair during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 Fraser Valley floods.
Since retiring from UFV, Craig has continued to contribute his experience in governance, property development, and organizational leadership. He serves on MCC’s local and national boards and on the board of Hyland Properties, MCC British Columbia’s property development arm. He finds the intersection of sound governance, responsible stewardship, and nonprofit mission a meaningful opportunity to contribute his experience in support of MCC’s humanitarian work and its mission around the world.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce' event team to learn more about supporting this event: events@abbotsfordchamber.com.
Attendance is open to the public and registration is FREE.
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