Make a difference with us at Cornwall Memorial Park
Celebrate Make a Difference Day and Arbor Day with the City and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) at Cornwall Memorial Park on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Together, we will plant native trees and shrubs and remove invasive weeds near Squalicum Creek to improve water quality, salmon habitat, and our urban forest.
All ages, abilities, and experience levels welcome! We’ll provide tools, gloves, instruction, and refreshments, including free coffee and pizza generously donated by local businesses. Bellingham residents can also take a free native tree sapling home with them from our Community Tree Programs while supplies last. Please register for the work party in advance on our website.
Regional Fire Authority update
The Bellingham RFA Planning Committee heard public input on the draft plan for a new regional fire authority at their Oct. 14 public hearing. The Committee will meet again on Oct. 26 in the Mayor’s Boardroom at Bellingham City Hall at 2 p.m. to consider final revisions to the plan and take a vote to approve it.
If approved, the City Council and Fire District 8 Board of Commissioners will each take a vote on a resolution that adopts the RFA plan and submits to the voters a ballot measure in February 2027 to form an RFA. Pending the Planning Committee’s decision, the resolutions are slated to come before the City Council on Nov. 2 and the WCFD8 Board on Nov. 12.
Find the draft plan and more information on the Bellingham RFA website.
Improving public spaces
Night work starting soon on Ellis Street watermain replacement
We’re continuing work to replace the aging watermain along Ellis Street between E. Illinois Street and Squalicum Parkway. Starting Monday, Oct. 26, work between Sunset Drive and Squalicum Parkway will take place at night, Monday–Thursday, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. This schedule is expected to last through early December.
South of Sunset Drive, work along Ellis Street will continue during the day, with a break from 5–8 p.m. Using a combination of daytime and nighttime work helps us complete this project while minimizing impacts to traffic near the hospital.
Share your input on the future of Harris Avenue
We need to replace aging water and sewer pipes under Harris Avenue. While that work is underway, we’ll also upgrade fiber infrastructure and install modern street lighting. When we restore the street after completing the utility upgrades, we’ll have an opportunity to implement high-priority safety and mobility improvements between 14th and 24th Streets. Making these changes at the same time helps reduce costs and minimize environmental impacts.
We’re considering two final design concepts and want your input. Please review the options and share your priorities by Nov. 15 using the Survey and Questions tools on the Harris Avenue Engage Bellingham page.
Construction isn’t expected to begin until 2030, but gathering input early will help ensure the final design meets community needs.
