Image: Supplied by Councillor Chris Kloot / Dairy farmer and lifelong Chilliwack resident Chris Kloot announced Wednesday, Aug. 31 that he seek re-election on Chilliwack City Council.
Fall election

Dairy farmer and lifelong Chilliwack resident Chris Kloot to seek re-election on Chilliwack City Council

Aug 31, 2022 | 10:20 AM

CHILLIWACK — Dairy farmer Chris Kloot is passionate about many things, whether it’s supporting farmers and food processors, or ensuring that more outdoor recreational opportunities are available and accessible in every corner of Chilliwack, to seeing that first responders have the tools they need to serve and be effective in Canada’s second-fastest growing city.

These interests and many more are what have led the lifelong Chilliwack resident to announce Wednesday (Aug. 31) that he will seek a third term on Chilliwack City Council.

Kloot, who was first elected to city council in 2014, juggles many hats as a two-term council member, dairy farmer with a small herd of Jersey cows, real estate agent, and married father of three sons and a daughter-in-law. But agriculture seems to be his enduring labour of love. .

“As a farmer, I truly believe my passion in agriculture is an asset for our local government,” Kloot said. “Without a doubt our community is growing in leaps and bounds, but we need to remain true to our roots, protecting farmland and managing responsible growth with vibrant neighbourhoods we can all be proud of.”

His re-election platform consists of a wide-ranging set of issues from agriculture to outdoor space, housing and transit options.

He hopes to create more opportunities for pedestrian and cycling connectivity that are accessible to all residents. On housing, he intends to see that a wide range of housing opportunities are explored and implemented with the recognition that housing needs are changing, and aging in place is vital to Chilliwack citizens’ health and well-being.

For vulnerable and marginalized populations, Kloot says he will continue to advocate for much needed funding and support and ensure that “our voices at City Hall are heard loud and clear at senior levels of government.”

On transit, he still sees a compelling need to advocate for what he calls “long overdue improvement transit options and transportation corridors into the Greater Vancouver area.”

On council, he has served as chair of the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Committee since 2014, chair of the Design Review Committee since 2016, a director on the Fraser Valley Regional District Board of Directors and Fraser Valley Regional Hospital Board, a member of the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission, and served on the Public Safety Advisory Committee, Affordable Housing and Development Advisory Committee and Chilliwack Fair Board.

“For the past 8 years I have been privileged to contribute to the leadership of one of the fastest growing cities in Canada,” Kloot said. “In keeping with that forward momentum we have achieved thus far, I would welcome the opportunity to continue that trend with responsible, careful and fair consideration with respect to how our community continues to move forward.”

He’s also been a member of the Minister of Agriculture’s independent provincial advisory committee on the Revitalization of the Agricultural Land Reserve and Agricultural Land Commission, and recognized by his peers in the real estate industry with the Realtor of Distinction award in 2017. He’s been a real estate agent since 2004.

“We are so blessed to call this place home,” Kloot said. “I believe I have demonstrated that I have been a responsible councillor who listens. I believe I am a team player and have the experience needed to continue to move Chilliwack forward in a positive way. This city is amazing, not only because of the natural beauty that surrounds us, but also because of each individual who is privileged to call this place home. There’s always more work to do. I’m excited and ready to work for another term. I hope I will have your support on October 15.”

In the 2018 election for Chilliwack City Council, Kloot was the second highest vote getter out of 14 candidates with 13,298 votes, behind only Jason Lum.