Have Your Say in Abbotsford’s Future: Public Feedback Opens for Abbotsforward 2050 Official Community Plan

By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 22, 2025

As the City of Abbotsford looks ahead to a vibrant and growing future, residents, businesses, and community partners are being invited to help shape what that future will look like. As part of the Abbotsforward 2050 initiative, the City has released a draft update to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and is now entering the final phase of public engagement.

The updated OCP outlines a renewed vision for Abbotsford’s growth over the next 25 years, setting the direction for how the city will evolve in response to community needs, provincial legislation, and anticipated population growth.

What is the Official Community Plan (OCP)?

The OCP is the City’s central planning document. It guides decisions on land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, parks, and community amenities, helping to ensure Abbotsford grows in a thoughtful and sustainable way.

First adopted in 2016, the current plan is undergoing a comprehensive review through the Abbotsforward 2050 project. The City began this update in January 2024, with early stages of engagement helping to shape the draft plan.

What’s New in the 2050 Update?

According to City officials, the proposed changes to the OCP are designed to:

• Reflect updated community priorities gathered from earlier engagement phases;
• Increase housing supply and diversify housing options;
• Respond to new provincial legislation and growth management guidelines;
• Ensure the development of infrastructure, green spaces, and amenities that support a growing and diverse population.

This final phase of engagement gives the public a critical opportunity to review the draft and weigh in before the updated plan is finalized and brought to Council in the fall of 2025.

How to Get Involved

Residents and stakeholders can participate in two key ways:

1. Online Survey
   An online survey is now open at letstalkabbotsford.ca/ocp and will remain available until June 27, 2025.
2. Community Open Houses
   The City is hosting a series of open houses where residents can speak with staff, ask questions, and provide feedback in person:
   • Saturday, May 24 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre (near Purdy’s)
   • Wednesday, May 28 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Mountain Elementary, 2299 Mountain Dr.
   • Saturday, June 7 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McCallum Junction parking lot (across from Cabela’s)
   • Thursday, June 12 – 4 to 7 p.m. at Abbotsford Community Library, 33355 Bevan Ave.
   • Saturday, June 14 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre
   • Friday, June 20 – 3 to 7 p.m. at Highstreet Shopping Centre (in the plaza near Cineplex)

Why Public Input Matters

“Community input is essential to ensuring the final OCP reflects the needs and vision of those who live and work in Abbotsford,” the City emphasizes.

The insights collected during this phase will help refine and finalize the updated plan, which will shape the city’s decisions and policies for the next quarter-century.

Learn More

For more information, to view the draft OCP, or to complete the survey, visit: letstalkabbotsford.ca/ocp

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance. With 19 years experience, she will well versed in the technical aspects of business coverages.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

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