BEAT INTRODUCTION: PART 1
Section 1: Geographical Background
• Abbotsford stretches from the Fraser River in the north connected to the City of Mission, to the Canada–United States border in the south, from the Township of Langley in the west and City of Chilliwack in the east.
Map of Abbotsford:
Source: https://www.abbotsford.ca/sites/default/files/2021-02/Community_Boundaries_Map_New.pdf
• Major land or waterway features:
Important facts:
• The City of Abbotsford has over 700 km of watercourses and ditches, as well as numerous lakes, ponds and wetlands.
• The City of Abbotsford has approximately 660 hectares of natural lands and open space, which include forests, shrublands, meadows, wetlands and riparian corridors throughout the community.
• Abbotsford does not have any ocean bays. Nearby bodies of water include: the Pacific Ocean, the Fraser River, Boundary Bay and Harrison Lake
Mountains
▪ Sumas Mountain
Lakes
▪ Albert Dyck lake
▪ Mill lake
▪ Cultus lake
▪ Laxton lake
▪ Chadsey lake
▪ Lockhart lake
▪ Sunshine valley lake
▪ Hatzic lake
▪ Bridal falls lake
▪ Sunshine valley lakes
Rivers
▪ Fraser River
▪ Sumas River
▪ Norrish Creek
Marshes
▪ Matsqui Prairie Wetlands
▪ Sumas Prairie Wetlands
▪ Fishtrap Creek Wetlands
▪ Norrish Creek Wetlands
▪ Maclure Wetlands
▪ Hatzic Wetlands
▪ East Sector Lands
Trails and Parks
▪ Albert Dyck Memorial Park
▪ Clayburn Creek Park
▪ Clearbrook Park
▪ Delair Park
▪ Fishtrap Creek Park
▪ Horn Creek Park
▪ Willband Creek Park
▪ Disvoery Trail
▪ Matsqui Trail Regional Park
▪ Glenn Valley Regional Park
▪ Bassani Park Trail
▪ Sumas Mountain Regional Park
▪ Neilson Regional Park
▪ Island 22 Regional Park
Climate Type:
o Abbotsford has an oceanic or maritime climate. Summers are warm and dry with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Winters are flooded with rain. Snowfall is moderate and usually happens in late December or January. The severity of the snow is very mild compared to the rest of Canada.
Source: https://abbotsford.webnode.page/climate/#:~:text=Abbotsford%20has%20a%20Maritime%20cli mate,%3A%20Climate%22%2C%20n.d.) Section 2: Economic and Social Background Total population: • Abbotsford’s population has not been documented between 2023 to 2024. According to a 2021 Statistics Canada report, Abbotsford has a population of 153,524. According to a 2022 UNdata report, Abbotsfod’s population is 168,478. 100417120 January 13, 2025 Annabel Bessem Sources: https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dppd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Abbotsford&DGUIDlist=2021A00055909052& GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0 http://data.un.org/Data.aspx?d=POP&f=tableCode%3A240
Section 2: Economic and Social Background
Total population:
• Abbotsford’s population has not been documented between 2023 to 2024. According to a 2021 Statistics Canada report, Abbotsford has a population of 153,524. According to a 2022 UNdata report, Abbotsfod’s population is 168,478.
Sources: https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dppd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Abbotsford&DGUIDlist=2021A00055909052& GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0 http://data.un.org/Data.aspx?d=POP&f=tableCode%3A240
Community Composition by Income:
• In 2020, the median after-tax income of Abbotsford households was $81,000.
• According to a 2021 Census Profile report by Statistics Canada, income is outlined as follows:
Sources: https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogsspg/Page.cfm?lang=E&topic=5&dguid=2021A00055909052 https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dppd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Abbotsford&DGUIDlist=2021A00055909052& GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0
First Language: • Abbotsford’s first language is English with additional languages following as secondary.
Age:
Source: https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dppd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Abbotsford&DGUIDlist=2021A00055909052& GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0
Major Industries and Employers:
• Abbotsford’s industries are diverse ranging in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, construction, transportation, warehousing and technology.
• Abbotsford is also known as the “Raspberry Capital of Canada.”
• Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre and community health services make Fraser Health the city's largest employer, with approximately 2,500 staff.
• Abbotsford is also home to three federal prisons, each employing between 200 and 500 officers and support staff.
Sources: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/abbotsford#:~:text=Abbotsford%20has%20a %20diverse%20economy,agricultural%20sector%20is%20also%20important.
http://www.abbotsfordsitefinder.ca/businesses.html
https://www.abbotsford.ca/sites/default/files/2022-01/2020%20Investment%20Profilecompressed.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbotsford%2C_British_Columbia?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Section 3: Political Governance Date of Municipal Incorporation:
• Abbotsford was incorporated as a Village Municipality on February 222, 1924.
• "Abbotsford, not Abbottsford (village)" adopted in the 18th Report of the Geographic Board of Canada on May 31, 1924. Amalgamated with Sumas District Municipality and together re-incorporated as Abbotsford District Municipality on November 17, 1972.”
Source: https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/22601.html#:~:text=Abbotsford%20was%20incorpora ted%20as%20a,District%20Municipality%2017%20November%201972.
Abbotsford’s School Board Members:
• Abbotsford’s School Board is governed by elected members of the Board of Education. The Board is responsible for over 19,000 students in the Abbotsford community.
Source: https://www.abbyschools.ca/board
Bordered Indigenous Reserves or Nations:
• Abbotsford, British Columbia, shares its borders with two Indigenous nations: the Sumas First Nation and the Matsqui First Nation. Sumas First Nation (Semá:th):
Contact Info: media@sumasfirstnation.com or communications@sumasfirstnation.com
Matsqui First Nation:
Contact Info: 604-826-6145
Additional Sources:
• https://www.abbotsford.ca/sites/default/files/2021-02/Abbotsford%20Trail%20Guide.pdf
• https://www.abbotsford.ca/trails
• https://www.abbotsford.ca/trails
• https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/parks-recreation/parks-trails.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbotsford,_British_Columbia
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbotsford,_British_Columbia#Climate
• https://www.abbotsford.ca/community-events/environment/climate-change
BEAT INTRODUCTION: PART 2
1. Global News Story
a. Summary: Global News reported that an SUV was found set on fire in Sumas Mountain Regional Park on Jan. 4, 2024, with what appeared to be human remains inside. The Abbotsford police launched an investigation alongside the BC Coroners Service and the RCMP’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, to determine what happened.
This story is important because it raises public safety concerns, prompts questions about crime in the area, and highlights the role of police and community in addressing violence.
b. Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/10943014/abbotsford-sumas-mountain-regional-park-body/
2. 2022 Municipal Election
a. Summary: Days before the 2022 municipal elections, CityNews reported on four candidates running for mayor in the City of Abbotsford. The candidates included Tony Gaspar, an advocate for farmers; David Pellikaan, a construction professional who opposed an increase in property taxes; Ross Siemens, a former city councillor and Abbotsford business owner; and Manjit Sohi, a father of three focused on investing in public safety. Former mayor Henry Braun had announced he would not seek re-election.
This story matters because it informs voters about candidates’ priorities, raises questions about leadership and community needs, and highlights the importance of civic engagement ahead of the municipal election.
b. Link: https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2022/10/13/bc-civic-election-abbotsford/
3. Abbotsford News Story
a. Summary: Abbotsford News reported that the Abbotsford School District has launched Journey to 2036, a 12-year online project tracking the development of Grade 1 students through to their graduation in 2036. The initiative aims to highlight positive aspects of education among Abbotsford students, with monthly videos shared on the districts’ YouTube channel.
This story highlights the importance of documenting student growth, raises questions about education's evolving role, and showcases how long-term projects can inspire and engage the community in positive ways.
BEAT INTRODUCTION: PART 3
Abbotsford’s Public art project recognizing Abbotsford as the Raspberry Capital of Canada in 2011. Photo by Tim Deyzle on Pinterest.
Abbotsford in 2025 is facing rapid population growth, overcrowded schools, and affordability challenges, as city leaders work to address pressing issues, and agriculture businesses works to combat climate change, say city and education officials.
The Abbotsford School District is operating beyond capacity, with more students enrolling than available space, according to Shirley Wilson, chair of the Abbotsford Board of Education.
“Our district is at 104 per cent capacity,” said Wilson.
The district, which serves over 20,000 full- and part-time students across 46 schools, has been forced to transfer some students to other schools due to space limitations.
“We do have to actually force transfer some of our students. It just means, ‘I get on the bus, I'm going to go to another school because we don't have room at that school,’” Wilson said.
In addition to overcrowding, the district is facing a staffing shortage across multiple levels.
“There is a shortage of staff from all levels—whether it's teachers, educational assistants, bus drivers, executive assistants, principals, vice-principals,” said Wilson. “Ultimately, we don't have enough folks to fill the role.”
To address the shortage, the district has hired uncertified teachers on call (UTTOCs) to fill gaps.
“We also have hired about 40 of what are called UTTOCs. They are people who are not yet teachers but probably are going to become teachers if they are not already,” Wilson said.
Mayor Ross Siemens said the province has adopted a modular school system to help address overcrowding.
“It's more affordable than having to add on to the school. So again, the city works very closely with the school districts to make sure that type of project can happen almost seamlessly,” said Siemens.
Siemens, who previously served as a city councillor for more than 11 years and is now in his second year as mayor, said Abbotsford is working on long-term solutions for its growing population.
Abbotsford council recently launched Abbotsfordforward 2050, a citywide plan to guide development and accommodate growth over the next 25 years.
“Sixty-five per cent of our residents that live here work here, which is quite unique for a city like ours,” said Siemens.
Despite this, affordability remains a major concern for residents, with rising living costs and homelessness among the key challenges facing the city.
Siemens acknowledged that these issues require ongoing collaboration between the city, provincial government and federal government to develop sustainable solutions.
In 2024, council allocated more than $1.78 million for homelessness prevention projects in Abbotsford, following a two-year renewal of the government of Canada’s Reaching Home program.
Through the Reaching Home program, the city of Abbotsford started Abbotsford ACCESS, a community working to address housing, homelessness and community development.
“We've coordinated roundtables that we have all the service providers, the nonprofits, the non-governmental agencies, along with government agencies, mental health and addictions, you know, the Ministry of Family and Child Development, Fraser Health and all the various branches of Fraser Health. And we've coordinated those tables to actually start to address where the gaps are,” said Siemens.
Siemens said they use the roundtables to gather data and have an “informed discussion with BC Housing and Fraser Health and try and address that gap. We share that information with other municipalities as well.”
Abbotsford is the dominant agricultural community in B.C.
“You have all of agriculture, but then you also have urban life,” said Amir Maan, director of Maan Farms.
Maan Farms, which started farming in 1977 and opened its first roadside stand in 1982, has grown into a multi-faceted operation.
Maan, who oversees daily operations, said climate change and extreme weather conditions are the “number one issue that farmers in our region and also our farm has had to deal with when growing high-quality produce on a reliable basis.”
Maan said the farm strives to stay on top of innovation.
“There are very few programs that support innovation,” he said. “It's taken me and my team traveling to other parts of the world to find new ways to grow and innovate, allowing us to stay ahead.”
Despite the challenges, Maan remains optimistic about farming in Abbotsford, saying, “Abbotsford is in a sweet spot of the Greater Vancouver area, in my opinion.”