Mission British Columbia
Mission, British Columbia
Mission, British Columbia is a city located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada. It was originally incorporated as a district municipality in 1892. The city is part of the Abbotsford–Mission metropolitan area, which boasts a population of approximately 195,726 inhabitants.
Geography and Location
Mission is strategically situated on the north bank of the Fraser River, providing picturesque views and a serene environment. The city is surrounded by lush mountainous forests which have significantly contributed to its local economy through sustainable forestry practices.
Economy
The local economy of Mission has historically been driven by forestry. The District of Mission has operated its own tree farm for many years, serving as a model for silvicultural management across British Columbia. In past decades, Mission was recognized as the world capital of red cedar shake production. A cluster of productive mills on the Mission waterfront was central to this industry until the late 20th century.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Mission holds cultural significance due to its historical educational institutions, such as the St. Mary's Indian Residential School, which were operated by the Roman Catholic Church of Canada. Additionally, the city is home to Westminster Abbey, a community of Benedictine monks established in 1939.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Mission hosted a vibrant Soap Box Derby and a large Loggers Sports event, both of which were key attractions and brought significant attention to the city.
Governance
The City Council of Mission is composed of elected officials responsible for the governance of the city. The current mayor, Paul Horn, was elected on October 15, 2022. His predecessor, Pam Alexis, resigned in November 2020 following her electoral success for the provincial riding of Abbotsford-Mission in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
Education
Mission is home to several educational institutions, including the École Mission Senior Secondary School, which has been serving the community since its establishment in 1952. It is the longest-serving secondary school in the area, providing education to a diverse student body.