Mission, BC is a city of 35,262 people located 70km east of Vancouver along the Fraser River, known for its natural beauty, fishing, and small town feel. It has a younger population who enjoy the affordable housing and proximity to nature. Residents value the sense of community, safety, and slower pace of life compared to larger cities. While Mission has many community assets like arts, sports, libraries and social services, residents feel there is still a need for more youth activities, cultural opportunities, jobs and transit. Overall, Mission residents are proud of their tight-knit community.

1. Community Mapping
Mission, B.C.

2. Welcome to Mission, B.C.
Population 35,262
Coastal mountains, sprawling farmland, and the imposing Fraser River give
Mission instant visual appeal. With endless trails and beautiful lakes it’s a
nature lover’s paradise.
Mission lies just 70km/44mi east of Vancouver, an hour drive via the Lougheed
Highway (Highway 7). Situated on a hillside above the Fraser River, the area is
famed for its fishing, as mighty sturgeon and salmon abound in these waters.

3. Downtown Mission, B.C.
• Mission, BC is a vibrant city. Our historical
downtown features unique shops,
entertainment venues and establishments.

4. History of Mission
• Mission was almost named “East Vancouver” or “North Seattle”?
However, The Town of Mission City ended up being named as such
due to it’s proximity to St. Mary’s Mission, founded in 1868 to
spread Christianity to local aboriginal people and control rowdy
miners.
• In 1891 core commercial areas and streets were auctioned off as a
land promotion in the “Great Land Sale” of 1891; buyers were
brought in from Vancouver and Eastern Canada and encouraged to
settle in what was to be a new metropolis. Buildings in the area
were even designed to remind residents of small towns in southern
Ontario in the hopes of attracting buyers.

5. History of Mission
• There were several other settlements within the area,
including approximately 300 houses near Stave Falls
and other communities in Ruskin, Steelhead and
Silverdale. Each of the areas had their own unique
history and cultural background. However, the history
of this part of the Fraser Valley goes back much further
than the late 1800’s.

6. Mission’s Economic Past
• Mission soon became a thriving community;
one of the most lively retail and social
destinations in the Fraser Valley in the early to
mid 1900’s. Several of the commercial streets
•

7. Who Lives in Mission Now?
• Mission has a younger than average population, the majority of it’s
residents are between the ages of 29-44. With affordable housing
and easy accessibility to Vancouver. It is a place where many young
families are choosing to have a quieter pace of life and a sense of
community. Next are the the thoughts, insights and responses from
those who know mission best, it’s residents.

8. In their own words…what brought
it’s members to Mission.
The cost of living is affordable. Owning your own home is
possible.
Sense of community Slower pace of life
Safety Freedom
Connection
Family
Easy access to nature
Beauty
To experience country living
Small town feel with city amenities

9. Strengths and Assets
• Mission Arts Council focus on bring the arts alive in Mission and
improving access for all.
• Social Service Supports, including MCFD, Fraser house Addiction
Services and Mission Women’s Support Services aimed at
supporting women, children and youth life free from violence in
their community.
• Three secondary schools that have strong extracurricular activities
that are well supported by staff who go the extra mile in supporting
their students.

10. Mission’s Assets and Community
Strengths
• Well established community programs that provide
counseling and family support.
• Community Based Programs that enhance the lives of
residents through in-home support, outreach, volunteer
programs, recreation, health, fitness and education.
• Active Public Library with enhanced programming aimed at
improving literacy and tutor supported learning programs.

11. Strengths and Assets
• Volunteer Programs at the Mission Correctional Institutions
that support local non-profits in the community, including the
Harvest Bag outreach program.
• RCMP and Community Based Programs focusing on the safety
of Mission residents and crime prevention.
• Mission District Sports Park and Leisure Center focus on
providing service to families and reducing barriers to access
programs through grants and program aimed at meeting the
needs of low-income families.

12. What Mission needs….
• Services and resources for youth
• Aboriginal support/cultural activities
• More employment opportunities
• Activities for children and youth
• Outdoor pool, skate/bmx park, climbing wall
• More cultural and art activities
• Better transit services
• More recreational and entertainment activities
• More support services for elderly, children,
women and youth.
• Mental health support and outreach
• Gang task force. Enhanced Crime prevention
measures.

13. Mission Attractions

14. Services within the Mission
Community
Children Who Witness Abuse Program
Stopping the Violence Program
Victim Services
Outreach Support Services
Transition Houses for Women and Children
Santa Rosa Second Stage Housing RCMP
Pregnancy Outreach Support Fire/Ambulance
Babies Best Chance Mission Hospital
Family Place Programs Community Library Literacy Programs
Parenting Support Programs Youth Unlimited-Outreach Services
Mission Community Services Support Programs Arts Council
Suicide Prevention Program for Children and Youth Local Paper
Food Bank/ MCC Thrift Store Triangle Employment Programs
Fraser house Addiction Counseling/Day Treatment Programs

15. The Downtown Core Attractions

16. Mission’s Community Spirit

17. Community Support
•

18. Major Employers in the Community

19. Community Growth

20. A FEW WISE WORDS FROM MISSION
RESIDENTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 65-83
GET INVOLVED-VOLUNTEER-VOLUNTEER. HELPING OUT MAKES YOU FEEL A PART OF YOUR
COMMUNITY. GET ACTIVE AND LEND A HAND AND YOU WILL FEEL A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
CONNECTION TO OTHERS IS VITAL-IF YOU NEED SUPPORT, ACCESS IT, IF YOU DON’T, PROVIDE IT
BE WELCOMING—AN OPEN HEART CREATES COMMUNITY.. NO ONE NEEDS TO FEEL LONELY
WHEN THEY LIVE NEAR OTHER PEOPLE. WE ARE HUMAN BEINGS DESIGNED TO CONNECT TO
OTHERS AND COMMUNITY IS THAT KEY TO CONNECTION. BE POSTIVE ABOUT THE PLACE YOU
LIVE, IF YOU DON’T LIKE SOMETHING GET OUT THERE AND CHANGE IT! AND IF YOU DO LOVE IT,
SHARE IT WITH OTHERS. COMMUNITY TAKES WORK, BUT IT IS WORTH IT.
BEING A PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY MEANS BEING AN ACTIVE MEMBER…CHOOSE TO SAY YES!

21. References
• Mission Resource Guide 2013 Final
http://www.mission.ca/wp-
content/uploads/Community-Resource-Guide-
Final.pdf
• Mission Community Services
• http://www.missioncommunityservices.com/a
bout/
• Red Book Online
• http://redbookonline.bc211.ca/search_results
?search1=mission+bc&closer_to_me=1&searc
h2=mission+bc

22. Final Note
• Mission definitely captures your heart. I want to
thank those residents who so graciously shared
their thoughts, insights and challenges
connected to their community. I appreciate my
coworkers taking the time to share their
knowledge about community resources, it was a
great help in this project. With their support and
through sharing of information I understand
better this community and the people who have
chosen to call Mission home. So thank-you.