Abbotsford council weighs options after ALC rejects sports park land bid

ABBOTSFORD — Abbotsford council says it is disappointed after the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) rejected the city’s application to use land at King and McKenzie roads for a future sports and recreation park.

The commission denied the application on August 20, and council has directed staff to review options and return with recommendations on next steps.

Mayor Ross Siemens said the city remains committed to investing in recreation, sports and park amenities as Abbotsford continues to grow. “While we are disappointed with the ALC’s decision, it does not change the City of Abbotsford’s commitment to investing in opportunities that support active, healthy communities,” Siemens said in a statement.

The city submitted an exclusion application in April 2025 as part of a long-term plan to create more recreation and sports facilities for residents and community sports groups.