AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 12, 2026
Mayoral Debate Focuses on Business and Growth
Three of Abbotsford’s mayoral candidates—incumbent Ross Siemens, Paul Mahil, and Sukhi Dhami—recently participated in the city’s only mayoral debate ahead of the Oct. 17 municipal election. The debate, staged by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce on October 7, 2026, provided a platform for candidates to address business issues and challenges related to city growth.
Business Issues Take Center Stage
The Abbotsford Chamber, following a poll of its members, presented candidates with concerns that included city infrastructure, economic development, amenities, street disorder, and most notably, the speed of permit approvals. All three candidates have experience running businesses and responded to these key local business priorities.
Candidates Propose Permit Approval Reforms
On the pressing question of how to accelerate the approval process within their first 100 days in office, each candidate proposed a different approach:
- Paul Mahil advocated hiring an integrity officer to improve transparency and accountability among city employees. He proposed fast-tracking permits for commercial developers and companies.
- Ross Siemens, the incumbent mayor, highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the city’s permit processes. He suggested implementing a concierge-style service for businesses, assisting them in navigating provincial and municipal bureaucracy. Siemens noted, “There’s layers of bureaucracy that are not necessarily the city’s fault, but we can’t move forward until that is dealt with.”
- Sukhi Dhami stated that a “roadblock culture” in city hall was hampering business. His solution called for forming a stakeholders committee and hiring a consultant to review the permit process, aiming to make city hall more accommodating to business owners and innovative ideas.
Business Owner and Community Feedback
Local business owners and residents also voiced concerns. David Hohn, a painting business owner, said fees for registering a company in Abbotsford had “become a little bit outrageous,” rising from $30 to about $140. Residents like Suny Braun and Rochelle Brown emphasized the need for more support for the unhoused population and the addition of recreation and amenity spaces. Braun summarized the issue: “It’s like we have a lot of people and not enough facilities.”
Debate on Infrastructure Investment and City Priorities
The candidates disagreed on the city’s approach to infrastructure investment. Siemens stated that significant infrastructure spending is on the horizon and advocated for a balanced approach to avoid excessive debt and tax increases, which he argued would threaten affordability. In contrast, both Mahil and Dhami claimed that the city needs new revenue and greater investment in public facilities. Mahil highlighted aging sports infrastructure and increasing challenges with homelessness and crime, characterizing the city as “deteriorating.” Dhami called for more parks, recreation facilities, and a collaborative approach to city improvements, describing the need to “shake up the 'No fun city' vibe” and convene stakeholders to address these issues.
Debate Participation and Election Details
David Pellikaan, a fourth mayoral candidate, was not invited to participate in the debate. According to the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, invitations were based on the event’s purpose, candidates’ engagement in the chamber’s election process, and their previous conduct.
The debate provided a rare opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates about their positions on business issues, city growth, infrastructure, and community well-being ahead of the abbotsford election on October 17.
Source: cbc.ca.
