Chilliwack Councillor Nicole Huitema Read. (Image Credit: Nicole Huitema Read.)
Municipal election

Incumbent Chilliwack councillor eyes 2nd term with focus on public safety, responsible city spending

Aug 31, 2026 | 8:50 AM

CHILLIWACK – On a platform of prioritizing public safety and responsible city spending, incumbent Chilliwack Councillor Nicole Huitema Read, a lifelong resident of Chilliwack, says she’s proud to announce her re-election campaign.

“I am proud to call Chilliwack home and I am excited about the opportunity to continue serving this community,” Huitema Read said in a statement released Monday, August 31. “Over the past four years, I have gained valuable experience around the Council table and a deeper understanding of the responsibility that comes with making decisions that affect our community today and for generations to come.”

During her first term on Council, Huitema Read says she focused on responsible financial decision-making and maintaining the city’s strong financial position. She contends Chilliwack must carefully monitor how taxpayer dollars are spent, maintaining lean and efficient operations while continually investing in the services and infrastructure residents rely on.

“I believe in being a ‘save-before-we-spend’ community,” said Huitema Read. “That means making responsible budget decisions, planning for the future and ensuring we are taking good care of the infrastructure and assets our community depends on.”

Huitema Read says keeping property taxes competitive as compared to municipalities of similar size in B.C. remains an important priority. At the same time, she wants the city to continually invest in public safety, essential infrastructure and services that contribute to a strong quality of life.

Huitema Read says she’s especially passionate about economic development and building a strong business community. Not only do vibrant local economies create jobs and support community programs and services, they contribute to the overall strength and resilience of Chilliwack.

“A strong business community benefits everyone,” said Huitema Read. “Growing our commercial and industrial tax base helps reduce pressure on residential property taxpayers, while creating meaningful employment opportunities for people who want to live and work in our community.”

She says strong communities require attention to issues beyond municipal infrastructure and economic growth. Affordable housing, accessibility, inclusion and the health and well-being of the community will continue to be priorities.

For the past 12 years, Huitema Read has participated in Chilliwack Healthier Community, an experience she says has provided valuable insight into the social challenges facing local residents and the collaborative work being done by organizations throughout the community.

“It has helped me better understand the importance of working together to support individuals and families throughout our community,” said Huitema Read. “A healthy community is one where people feel included, supported and able to participate.”

If voters return her for another four-year term, Huitema Read plans to continue supporting responsible growth and equitable development while protecting the qualities that make Chilliwack a special place to live. She’s a stedfast believer that agricultural land should be protected for its best use, while ensuring environmental stewardship remains part of the city’s overall vision.

“We have a responsibility to be good stewards of our land, our infrastructure and our community,” said Huitema Read. “The decisions we make today will shape Chilliwack for generations to come. I am proud of the work we have accomplished and grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve. There is still important work ahead, and I would be honoured to continue representing the people of Chilliwack on City Council.”