- Chair, Agriculture Advisory Committee
- Chair, Fraser Valley Regional District Board
- Vice Chair, Public Safety Advisory Committee
- Director, Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District Board
- Chair, Fraser Valley Regional District Regional and Corporate Services Committee
- Past President, Lower Mainland Local Government Association; LGMA
- Board of Director, Union of BC Municipalities; UBCM
- Chair, Union of BC Municipalities Environment Committee
Patricia Ross was elected as an Abbotsford City Councillor in 1994.
Patricia is a Fellow of Leadership for Environment and Development International, a research and training institute committed to fostering leadership in sustainability worldwide. She has given presentations on sustainability issues all over the world and incorporates these principles in her work here at home, including the 14 years she ran her own business, Ross Recycling, a recycling pick-up service for business and multi family. Patricia is a champion of women in business, and chaired GroYourBiz Fraser Valley, an advisory and mentoring board for 12 years.
She is grateful for a supportive family and community that inspires her every day.
Key Projects
Appointed by the City to lead the opposition campaign as head of Media and Public Relations and chief lobbyist to fight against the Sumas Energy 2 (SE2) power plant proposal. Lasting 6 years, this precedent setting campaign ended in 2006 when the Canadian Court of Appeal upheld the National Energy Board’s decision to deny SE2 the right to build power lines in Canada. This victory protected our community’s airshed from harmful pollutants;
An advocate for better services for first responders and military experiencing PTSD and a former Victim Services volunteer; Instrumental in guiding and developing the FVRD SWMP (Solid Waste Management Plan);
Helped design the highly successful Abbotsford Community Services Waste Reduction Education Program for local schools; Continues to be an advocate for best practices for waste management; Chaired the City's first Homelessness Action Advisory Committee; and, initiated and guided the improvement of the City's Streamside Protection Bylaw. Patricia feels enriched by the knowledge she has gained, which helps her in her decision making.
Committees and Community Groups
Through 30 years of service for the City, Patricia served on a wide range of diverse committees representing all points of view including most recently; Chair, Agriculture Advisory Committee (2018 – 2022); Vice Chair, Fraser Valley Regional District Board (2018 – 2022); Fraser Valley Regional District Hospital Board (2018 – 2022).
Prior to being elected, Patricia was Chair of the Central Fraser Valley Environmental Health Group, founder of the local Adopt-A-Block Committee and was Chair of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Committee.
Awards and Accomplishments
- Abbotsford Restorative Justice Community Champion Award, 2015
- Abbotsford Youth Commission UROC Award for efforts in making a significant contribution to the lives of Abbotsford Youth, 2014
- Green Leader Award from the Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club, 2014
- Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, 2012
- Woman of the Year Award from the Business & Professional Women’s Club of Abbotsford/Mission, 2009
- Soroptimist Award in recognition of outstanding work to improve the lives of women, 2009
- Paul Harris Rotary Club Award for community work, 2007
- Certificate of Appreciation for “working to preserve air quality in the Fraser Valley” from the District of Mission Council, 2003
- Newsmaker of the Year Award from the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, 2002
- Order of the Fraser Valley from a local community group, 2001
- Service Recognition Award from the Abbotsford Police Department Victim Services, 2001
- Environmental Watchdog Award from the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, 1995
