British Columbia is famous for its amazing nature and landscapes. In addition, the region has an incredibly eventful history. Everything that once happened in the mentioned area had a direct connection with the present. It’s not surprising, as the past significantly influences our modern life.
Abbotsford is one of the most famous cities in British Columbia and the largest municipality in the province.
Interestingly, Statistics Canada awarded Abbotsford the title of the most generous city in terms of charitable donations that local residents made over nine years.
The city’s area is 375.5 square kilometres, which gives Abbotsford the status of the largest city in the province.
Learn more about the fascinating history of Abbotsford at ivancouver. (Source: abbotsford.ca)
Settlement
Europeans began to settle the territory of the future city when the Royal Engineers surveyed the area for the presence of gold reserves.
Later, the first transport route was built there. The settlement grew actively and in the 1860s, it acquired oil, tobacco and milk production. In 1889, the former Royal Engineer John Maclure applied for 160 acres of land, which later turned into Abbotsford.
Theories about the name
There are many versions considering the origin of the city’s name.
The most popular theory is that Maclure decided to name it in honour of his family friend, Henry Abbott.
However, Maclure’s sons claimed that the name of the city was directly related to Walter Scott’s house called Abbotsford House.
Town subdivision
Later, the city territory became the property of Robert Ward. On July 9, 1891, he filed for a townsite subdivision.
In addition, that year was marked by the construction of a railway line. It was the only railway connection between such settlements as Vancouver and Seattle for a fairly long time (until 1904).
Land sales
The Abbotsford settlement was incorporated in 1892. Then Robert Ward began the process of selling many plots of land to private investors. A significant part of the Great Northern Railway was sold too.
The Interurban, a tram that connected Abbotsford and Vancouver, was discontinued in 1950.
City expansion
The biggest natural disaster that occurred in Abbotsford was the severe flooding of the Fraser River in 1948.
In September 1984, Pope John Paul II conducted a mass for 200,000 people on the territory of Abbotsford International Airport.
In 1972, Abbotsford merged with the District of Sumas and with the District Matsqui in 1995. It led to a significant increase in the local population.
Solving an important issue and criminal activity
Later, Abbotsford began to struggle with homelessness. The authorities have been actively involved in resolving this issue and have even approved the start of construction of a support housing fund.
In addition, the city has a high crime rate. Local gangs have entered history for their violence and illegal sale of drugs.
Photo source: wikipedia