Abbotsford:
Abbotsford, Want to know more?
Abbotsford is a great place to live, with a population of 134,000, this "City in the Country" is large enough to entertain most needs, but has a calming country charm, less hustle and bustle, and is a great hub to reach the Interior of B.C., the City of Vancouver, The U.S.A., and with our expanded airport, many other destinations. We really aren't so far out any more!.................
Link to current projects in Abbotsford
Contents:
1. Economic Profile
2. City in the Country Official Community Plan
3. Tourism information
4. Arts & Heritage
5. Stats and Facts
6. City plans & Stategies
Below is a brief summary of Abbotsford's Economic Profile taken from The City of Abbotsford's Home site.
To read more or down load a full copy, link to: Download PDF: Abbotsford's Economic profile
Overview: Abbotsford is situated in one of the most productive agricultural areas in Canada. Nevertheless, the City has experienced most of its population growth due to its proximity to Greater Vancouver. The community is a one-hour drive from Vancouver's downtown core. Combined with favourable house prices and an appealing rural lifestyle, Abbotsford's location has resulted in rapid population growth, which has continued to remain well above the Provincial average for nine out of the last 10 years.
Business: In terms of market potential for business, the City's close proximity to more than 2.1 million people makes Abbotsford attractive to many types of business, particularly those with a need to be near the B.C. Interior and the U.S. border. Our air, rail, and road transportation networks make Abbotsford highly accessible from all directions.
People and location: Abbotsford, with a population of more than 134,000, is the fifth largest city in British Columbia. Located in the centre of the Fraser Valley, about 70 km from downtown Vancouver, Abbotsford is a city in the country. Most residents live in the urban core, surrounded by farmland and rural communities (Mt. Lehman, Bradner, Matsqui Village, Clayburn, Barrowtown, Arnold, and Huntingdon). The climate is west coast moderate with summers slightly warmer and winters a little cooler than Vancouver.
Transportation: Primary road access is provided by the TransCanada Highway (Highway No. 1), running west to Vancouver and east to Hope; Highway No. 1A, connecting Abbotsford with Langley and Surrey to the west; and Highway No. 11, which is the north-south link to Mission and the U.S. border at Sumas, Washington. Freight rail service is provided by CP Rail, CN, and Southern Railway of BC, with direct connections to Burlington Northern at Sumas.
Education: Educational facilities encompass pre-school to post secondary levels, with full degree programs offered by the University College of the Fraser Valley at its Abbotsford campus.
Health care: The major medical facility is MSA General Hospital, which has 200 acute care beds. There are also a number of intermediate and extended care facilities. City residents are eagerly awaiting the completion of the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, a state-of-the-art 300-bed replacement for the MSA acute care hospital. The 55,000 square metre facility will be three times the size of the current MSA hospital.
Recreation: Residents enjoy extensive civic recreational facilities, including two indoor and two outdoor pools. Abbotsford's excellent recreational facilities were the home of the 2004 BC Summer Games, and Abbotsford's major track and field complex hosted the Canadian Track and Field Championships and the Western Canada Summer Games. The City is also home to two private and three City-operated arenas, many parks and playing fields, and an extensive trail system. Cultural facilities include a museum, the 700-seat Abbey Arts Centre, 400-seat Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, and three library branches, one of which has the largest circulation in the Fraser Valley Regional Library system.
Housing: A variety of housing styles are available, from single family to townhouses and high rise apartments. New developments continue in the Townline Hill and other areas. Major development work in the Straiton Bowl area, which will eventually house 10,000 to 15,000 residents, is underway. Known as Auguston, this area is located on the slopes of Sumas Mountain, only minutes away from the urban core, and provides hillside view lots in a village atmosphere. A number of high rises in the Abbotsford core offer an up-town style of living, with spectacular mountain views.
Economic Growth: Overall growth continues at a steady pace. Most of the new developments are residential, however, the community has seen rapid growth in retail, commercial, and industrial development. Abbotsford, as the main retail hub of the Fraser Valley, offers a wide variety of stores and services, from large-scale retail operations, to smaller speciality stores. The Abbotsford Downtown Business association is working with the City to revitalize the historical shopping district. New retail developments, such as Abbotsford Village and the Abbotsford Power Centre, continue to open and expand, including Sevenoaks Shopping Centre. Cascade Aerospace, located at Abbotsford International Airport, employs over 500 people. Abbotsford's economy is diverse and includes: agriculture; industry; business; government services; and retail. Tradex, located at Abbotsford International Airport, is a 120,000 square foot exhibition facility, which hosts trade shows and major events year-round. The Airport offers superb flying facilities, pilot training, and aircraft building. Several airlines currently operate out of Abbotsford International Airport, with regular service to many Canadian cities and Mexico.
This Economic Profile can be downloaded from the City web site: www.abbotsford.ca, Service Directory, Economic Profile. (or see direct link above)
City in the Country Plan?
For specific inforation detailing Abbotsford's Community Plan download the: City in the Country Plan For more information link to : City of Abbotsford
Touring Abbotsford?
Nestled in the shadow of majestic Mt. Baker, in the heart of the Fraser Valley, you will find Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. Visiting Abbotsford introduces you to an eclectic blend of modern urban style and friendly country living.
Thanks to our comfortable west coast climate, Abbotsford and Mighty Fraser Country offer a diversity of travel experiences; we have something for everyone! From steep and deep skiing to white water rafting and from championship golf to world-renowned attractions, Abbotsford is the perfect home for your next British Columbia vacation. See more at Tourism Abbotsford
History and Community Information and Events?
For History information like draining of Sumas Lake
Events, maps, and weather
Attractions and Activities
Photo gallery and Museum archives
Link to: Abbotsford City
If you are considering a move to Abbotsford, B.C. or would like to sell a home in Abbotsford, contact me directly for all your Real Estate needs. Email me: shorter@shaw.ca