On July 20, the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) denied the City of Abbotsford’s application to exclude land on King and Mackenzie Road from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The City of Abbotsford submitted an exclusion and inclusion application with the ALC back in April 2025. The city proposed a land trade; giving city-owned land along LeFeuvre Road to be included in the ALR in exchange for the land on King and Mackenzie being excluded.
The City intended to use the location neighbouring the University of the Fraser Valley to create a recreational park including baseball diamonds and soccer fields to serve Abbotsford’s growing population, choosing the location for the transit options and urban areas nearby.
The ALC announced its reason for rejecting the application on Aug. 20, citing its agricultural value and concerns over the sanctity of ALC land. City Council was saddened by the decision, but continues to work on increasing recreational options for Abbotsford residents.
