Author: Ethan Wright

Lawyers for two men accused of killing an Abbotsford couple have requested a third delay in their trial, nearly three years after their arrest. Gurkaran Singh and Abhijeet Singh face two counts each of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Arnold and Joanne De Jong in May 2022. A third man, Khushveer Toor, also charged with two counts of first-degree murder, has not applied to postpone his trial. The trial is currently scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026. On Wednesday, the presiding judge reserved judgment on the latest adjournment request, with a decision expected later this month.…

Abbotsford, B.C., has seen an increase in extortion cases, with incidents becoming more severe and sometimes involving shootings and arson. In response, the Abbotsford Police Department has launched a dedicated task force to tackle the issue. The unit will focus on investigating extortion crimes, identifying suspects, and preventing further incidents in the city. Police emphasize that extortion can take many forms, from threats of property damage to personal harm. Recent cases have highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated response to protect residents and businesses. Authorities are urging anyone with information about extortion activities to come forward. The department also…

Abbotsford police have launched a dedicated task force following a series of violent extortion incidents targeting South Asian business owners and families. The new initiative, called Operation Community Shield, comes after four attacks in just two weeks, including shootings and vehicle arsons. Sgt. Paul Walker of the Abbotsford Police Department described the extortion incidents as “extremely serious.” He said many residents and business owners are being victimized, creating fear in the community. “We have people living in their homes and running businesses who are facing violent crime, and that is not acceptable,” Walker said. Since November 2023, Abbotsford police have…

Thousands of people are expected to gather in Abbotsford on Sunday, August 31, for the annual Sikh Parade Abbotsford. The event, known as the Nagar Kirtan Procession, is one of the most important cultural and spiritual gatherings in the region. It brings together residents, visitors, and community leaders to celebrate Sikh faith and culture in a public and inclusive way. The centerpiece of the event is the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s holy scripture, which is carried on a beautifully decorated float. Throughout the day, the air will be filled with devotional hymns sung by participants. Families, volunteers, and community groups…

As summer winds down, thousands of students across British Columbia are preparing to return to school. For many parents, this time brings both excitement and stress. Back-to-school shopping can be costly, with a 2016 Statistics Canada survey showing Canadian families spend an average of $480 on school supplies. Many parents agree this period often strains family budgets. To help families, Sevenoaks Shopping Centre is hosting a free back-to-school event Abbotsford on August 27. The event promises fun, creativity, and useful resources for children and their parents. Students can explore their artistic side at a pencil case station. Each child will…

A loose bull caused a major highway closure in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on Saturday afternoon. The animal was standing in the middle of Highway 11, stopping traffic in both directions. Police reported that emergency crews were quickly dispatched to the scene to handle the situation and ensure public safety. Officers worked closely with the bull’s owner to manage the animal and keep drivers away from the area. Authorities asked motorists to avoid Highway 11 while emergency teams moved in. Traffic was held up for several hours as crews worked to contain the large animal safely. A local veterinarian later tranquilized…

A man is dead and another is under arrest after a shooting at an apartment building in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Police say the incident took place Monday afternoon, leading to a heavy response from officers and an immediate investigation. Authorities confirmed that the shooting happened shortly after 4 p.m. in the 30400-block of Cardinal Avenue. Officers were called to the scene following reports of gunfire inside the apartment complex. When police entered the building, they discovered that the violence had occurred in one unit of the complex. A man inside the unit was found dead, and another man present at…

Abbotsford is facing a serious rise in drug-related deaths in 2025. The latest data from the BC Coroners Service shows the city had 38 fatal overdoses in the first six months of the year. This alarming number puts Abbotsford among the communities hardest hit by the ongoing drug crisis in British Columbia. In May and June alone, 11 people lost their lives to drug overdoses in Abbotsford. This brings the total drug death count for the city to 38 for the first half of 2025. The number is on track to match or possibly exceed the total deaths recorded in…

A 17-year-old teenager was arrested after a troubling series of pellet gun attacks that targeted pedestrians in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The attacks occurred on a Wednesday evening, when police received multiple calls from people reporting that they were fired at while walking near the city streets. These incidents raised concerns among residents, prompting a quick police response. Police say the attacks involved a pellet gun or an airsoft gun, which are types of firearms that shoot small plastic pellets. While these guns are often seen as less dangerous than real firearms, they can still cause injuries and fear among people…

The Prince Albert Predators have arrived in Abbotsford, B.C., with one clear goal—winning the MacDonald Cup for the second year in a row. The Western Canada Junior B lacrosse champions will begin their title defense on Wednesday, August 6, with high hopes and sharp focus. After wrapping up a second undefeated season and securing their league title two weeks ago, the Predators took time to recover and prepare. The break between the playoffs and the national tournament gave the team 11 days without competition. However, Head Coach Lucas Wells believes the rest will prove valuable. Wells shared that the team…