Local author and poet appointed to newly established program celebrating Chilliwack's literary arts community
The Chilliwack Arts Council is proud to announce the appointment of Taryn Hubbard as Chilliwack's inaugural Poet Laureate. This milestone marks the launch of the Chilliwack Arts Council's new Poet Laureate program, a dedicated initiative to raise awareness of the city's vibrant literary arts community and celebrate the writers who call Chilliwack home.
Hubbard, a Chilliwack resident, is a published author and poet with a body of work that spans poetry and fiction. She is the author of the poetry collection Desire Path (Talonbooks, 2020), the novel The Very Good Best Friend (Now or Never, 2025), and her most recent poetry collection, Beautiful Unknown Future (Talonbooks, 2026). By day, she works in municipal government communications; by night and in every quiet moment in between, she writes, always learning, always observing the world around her. She lives in Sardis with her husband and two young children.
As Poet Laureate, Hubbard will compose four original poems between April 2026 and April 2027, each offering a thoughtful reflection on the issues and observations of her environment and the wider world. The poems will be published and shared through the Chilliwack Arts Council's website, newsletter, and social media channels, bringing literary art directly to the community.
"We are so excited to launch the Poet Laureate program and to have Taryn step into this role," said Lise Oakley, Executive Director of the Chilliwack Arts Council. "Taryn's voice is grounded in this community, she lives here, creates art here, and sees the world with a poet's eye. This program is about shining a light on the incredible literary talent we have right here in Chilliwack, and there is no better person to lead the way."
The Poet Laureate program reflects the Chilliwack Arts Council's ongoing commitment to championing all forms of artistic expression in the region and ensuring that writers and literary artists receive the recognition they deserve alongside their peers in the visual and performing arts.
To learn more about Taryn Hubbard and her work, visit tarynhubbard.com.
About the Chilliwack Arts Council The Chilliwack Arts Council supports, promotes, and develops the arts in Chilliwack and the surrounding region. Through programs, partnerships, and community initiatives, the Arts Council connects artists with audiences and celebrates the creative life of the community.
For more information, visit the Chilliwack Arts Council website or follow along on social media.
Media Contact: Chilliwack Arts Council. Lise Oakley, office[at]chilliwackartscouncil.com