Chilliwack – It is the worst kept political secret, but now its official. The paperwork is filed and Chilliwack City Councilor Jason Lum is running to succeed Ken Popove as Mayor.
Popove already stated he is not in the running and has endorsed Lum.
From Lum’s Social Media:
Dear Friends,
I have officially submitted my nomination papers to become a candidate for Mayor of the City of Chilliwack (lucky for me my Grandma agreed to sign my nomination papers)
This is a big moment, and certainly one I don’t take lightly.
For the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving you on Chilliwack City Council. It has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and I am deeply grateful for the trust this community has placed in me since 2011.
Over those years, Chilliwack has changed enormously. We’ve grown, welcomed new families and businesses, invested in our community, and faced challenges that few of us could have predicted. Through it all, I’ve had the opportunity to work with residents, neighbourhoods, businesses, community organizations, First Nations partners, and other levels of government on issues that matter to the people who call this place home.
Today, I’m asking for the opportunity to serve Chilliwack in a new role— as your Mayor.
I’m proud of what we have accomplished together. But I also know there is more work to do, and I believe the next several years will be among the most important in our city’s history.
Chilliwack is continuing to grow. With that growth comes opportunity, but also real pressure on our roads, infrastructure, housing, public safety, neighbourhoods, and the services we all rely on. To me, the question isn’t whether Chilliwack will change. The question is what kind of Chilliwack do we want to build next? Together.
I believe we can manage growth responsibly, invest in the infrastructure our community needs, protect quality of life and create opportunities for the next generation—without losing the character and sense of community that make Chilliwack such a special place. We don’t have to choose between moving forward and protecting what we love about this community. We can do both.
I look forward, over the coming weeks, to sharing more about the priorities I believe should shape Chilliwack’s next chapter—including infrastructure, public safety, responsible growth, affordability, economic opportunity, agriculture, strong neighbourhoods and a City Council that remains accountable to the people it serves.
After 15 years in public service, I’ve learned that no one person has all the answers—and good leadership isn’t about pretending you do. Some of the best ideas I’ve been part of have started by being invited to have a conversation around the kitchen table, at a community meeting, on a farm, inside a local business, or simply with someone stopping me on the street.
I’ve also learned the value of bringing different voices around the same table. As a Councillor and through my years leading the Fraser Valley Regional District, I’ve worked with elected officials and communities with different priorities, perspectives and experiences. You don’t always agree. But you listen, find common ground, make decisions and move forward together.
That’s the kind of Mayor I intend to be.
I’m running because I believe my experience has prepared me to lead—but also because I’m optimistic about where we go next. Chilliwack has given me many opportunities. Like many of you, I’m thinking about what this community will look like for the generations that follow us.
I believe Chilliwack’s next chapter can be our best one yet. I would be honoured to earn your support on October 17th.
Respectfully,
Jason Lum
Mayoral Candidate
City of Chilliwack
