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City Waives Fees and Expedites Permits for Flood-Impacted Properties

To support property owners in Sumas Prairie impacted by the flood with the recovery and restoration process, the City of Abbotsford is waiving building permit fees and expediting permit processing.

In total, 485 properties across Sumas Prairie were placed under Evacuation Order. As residents prepare to return home, Abbotsford City Council has authorized temporary measures to help reduce financial strain and expedite the permitting process for demolition, restoration and reconstruction of flood-damaged homes, barns and other structures.

For the next 12 months, for properties identified within the Eligible Properties Area Map, the City will:

• Prioritize restoration building permits through an “over-the-counter” building permit process;
• Expedite demolition permits and building permits for structural repairs, with a review and issuance target of two working days or less;
• Expedite building permits for reconstruction of accessory structures, such as barns or sheds, with a review and issuance target of five working days, and;
• Waive flood restoration building permit and demolition permit fees.

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The City of Abbotsford has an email subscription service where you can easily get updates right to your inbox. Sign up to start receiving email updates on Alerts, Council Briefs, Council Blogs, News Releases, Flood Response Updates, Irrigation Updates and the Economic Development newsletter. You choose what you want to receive, and if you change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time.

Find relevant funding opportunities with Fundica, a free, AI-powered funding search engine. Fundica’s smart search tool connects aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with grants, tax credit, loans and more.

Export Navigator - Up to $5,000 in Funding for B.C. Businesses Exporting to the U.S.

The CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI) supports B.C. based small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's) that are impacted by U.S. tariffs by facilitating access to the technical experts and advisory services they need to become CUSMA compliant. CCASI is supported by the Government of Canada through Pacific Economic Development Canada. 

Learn more and apply for CCASI now; Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first served basis, so make sure to apply early. For questions on eligibility for CCASI please reach out to cusma@exportnavigator.ca 

Jan 8^th 2:00PM - Free CCASI Info Session: Funding Support for U.S. Export Compliance.

Join this 15-minute information session, followed by a live Q&A, to learn how CCASI can help your business reduce risk, streamline operations, and access expert support at no cost. The webinar will walk through the application process, eligible activities, how retroactive claims work, required documentation, and how to get started, before funding is fully committed.

CanExport Funding and Financing for International Business 

Discover funding opportunities to explore new business opportunities abroad, connect with international research and development (R&D) partners, and attract foreign investment.

• CanExport GAC-Led Delegations - Application period open - Apply now.
  
  Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for funding to cover up to 50% of costs related to participation in select trade missions and delegations led by Global Affairs Canada's (GAC) Trade Commissioner Service (TCS).
  
  Review the CanExport GAC-Led Delegations program page for further details, criteria and information.
   
• CanExport Associations - 2026-27 application for projects taking place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027 are open until January 6, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST 
  
  Review the CanExport Associations program page for further details, criteria and information.
  
  If your organization wishes to apply for 2026-2027, please contact CanExport Associations at canexportassociations@international.gc.ca to have your organization and projects assessed for eligibility.

Mayor and Council Updates

Mayor and Council are actively involved in our community representing the City at local events, openings, tours, and meetings with senior levels of government and other stakeholders. View some of the important work being done by your City Council by checking out the most recent council briefs and blogs as well as photos of Council in the city! Subscribe to receive Council updates to your inbox.

BR+E Strategy Updates

This year, through our BR+E Strategy, we had the privilege of deepening our connections with the heart of Abbotsford: our local businesses. All these activities brought us one step closer to what matters most: a connected, supported, and thriving Abbotsford business community. 

UFV's New Micro-credentials ​​​​​​​

UFV’s new Micro-Credential Program offers short, flexible programs that are designed for working professionals and are offered online, hybrid, and in person.

Winter 2025 programs include:

• Business Process Management (BPM)
• Project Management Prep (PMP)
• Business Applications of Excel
• Sustainable Healthcare
• Digital Marketing

For questions or help with registration, email: FBC@ufv.ca 

Business Community Events

Business After Business - Unitex Sales Ltd.: Join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and Unitex Sales Ltd. for their Business After Business event on January 15.

Go! Abbotsford is your go-to event calendar for the latest happenings in Abbotsford. Whether you’re into performing arts, agricultural experiences, or the buzz of major festivals, there’s never a dull moment in this vibrant community.

Table Talk

Table Talk offers a forum to promote and share news focused on economic development including business resources and grants, programs, updates and events for the business community. The mission of Table Talk is to cultivate and grow economic development relationships.

We want to hear from you! Email us at econdev@abbotsford.ca to learn more about the Table or to share your news via Table Talk.