Mission is a district municipality located in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, situated on the north bank of the Fraser River across from Abbotsford. With a population of approximately 41,000, Mission is one of the larger communities in the Fraser Valley Regional District and serves as a regional hub for surrounding rural areas. The municipality spans a varied landscape of river lowlands, forested hillsides, and agricultural land rising toward the Cascade Mountains.
History and Heritage
Mission takes its name from St. Mary’s Mission, a Roman Catholic mission established in 1861 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate to serve the local Stó:lō First Nations peoples. The area developed rapidly during the late 19th century with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which made Mission an important junction point. The Westminster Abbey, a Benedictine monastery perched on a hillside overlooking the Fraser Valley, remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the region and has operated continuously since 1939.
Neighbourhoods and Geography
Mission’s residential areas include established neighbourhoods such as Silverdale, a growing community in the eastern portion of the municipality, as well as the older Downtown Mission core near the waterfront. The municipality borders Stave Lake and the Stave River to the east, providing recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and access to Hayward Lake. The elevated terrain west of downtown affords views across the Fraser Valley toward Abbotsford and the Coast Mountains.
Economy and Transportation
Mission’s economy has historically relied on forestry, agriculture, and light manufacturing. The West Coast Express commuter rail service connects Mission to Vancouver’s Waterfront Station, making the municipality attractive to commuters seeking more affordable housing outside Metro Vancouver. The Mission Bridge, also known as the Lougheed Highway Bridge, links Mission to Abbotsford across the Fraser River and remains a critical transportation corridor for the region.