The City of Abbotsford will spend $100,000 to celebrate a quarter-century since the amalgamation of the districts of Matsqui and Abbotsford over the next year and a half.
A dedicated website, special flower plantings, a year-long social media campaign and signs around town will mark the creation of the city on Jan. 1, 1995.
The celebrations will kick off this year and include the development of a special logo, and culminate in 2020, with a variety of initiatives. The anniversary will also be the theme of Abbotsford’s 2020 Canada Day celebrations.
“I think we’ve got a lot to celebrate,” Coun. Patricia Ross said. “It has been 25 years and a lot has happened.” She said the budget for the events was “relatively frugal.”
However, Mayor Henry Braun said he had hoped the city could have stuck with a lesser amount that had been included in this year’s budget.
“I am of the view that we did discuss this in the budget,” he said. “I think $75,000 is enough of a birthday party.”
Braun also suggested a stand-alone website was not required.
The resolution to budget $100,000 for the anniversary passed with Ross joined by Couns. Bruce Banman, Sandy Blue, Brenda Falk, and Ross Siemens. Coun. Kelly Chahal joined Braun in opposition. Couns. Dave Loewen and Les Barkman were absent.
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