MLAs Kelli Paddon (Chilliwack-Kent) and Dan Coulter (Chilliwack) toured Chilliwack virtually along with Premier John Horgan on Feb. 19, 2021. They visited with people from various organizations and businesses via Zoom. (Submitted image)

MLAs take virtual tour of Chilliwack with Premier John Horgan

John Horgan meets with council, Bowls of Hope and Molson Coors representatives

Chilliwack was showcased in a tour that welcomed the premier to town, at least virtually.

John Horgan was welcomed by MLAs Kelli Paddon (Chilliwack-Kent) and Dan Coulter (Chilliwack) via Zoom, and they met with folks from Bowls of Hope, Molson Coors Fraser Valley Brewery, and the mayor and council.

“We want folks to know that we hear their concerns and have their backs, and we also want to showcase the good work in our communities,” said Paddon. “That’s why it is so important that the premier was able to come and do this tour. It was such a positive experience to connect Premier Horgan and our community members and bring attention to some of the area’s ongoing priorities together.”

The Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society is a non-profit that has been working with local volunteers, donors, and community partners for more than 15 years. Through their Feed the Children program, Bowls of Hope currently services 23 schools and feeds up to 850 kids throughout the Chilliwack school district. Bowls of Hope serves approximately 17,000 bowls of soup a month.

In the virtual tour of the Molson Coors Fraser Valley Brewery, Horgan was able to meet with union members and management. The company reported in the meeting they have implemented extensive and successful COVID-19 protocols throughout the pandemic.

Horgan also met with Mayor Ken Popove and council members, discussing a variety of issues addressing the community, including housing and economic recovery. This is one in a series of virtual meetings the premier will be having with local communities.

Coulter said the virtual tour highlighted how hard the community has worked through the pandemic.

“We know that the people of our communities have worked extremely hard to be able to continue to provide services and keep their doors open through this difficult time,” he said. “The tremendous work that the Bowls of Hope Society and its volunteers do, and the way that the Molson Brewery staff have pivoted to continue working as safely as possible, are prime examples of the strength and compassion in this community.”

READ MORE: Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce calls for support and compassion during the pandemic


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Chilliwack Progress