Mission mapping bc
- 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.
- 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
- 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.