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MISSION one of the fastest growing The District of Mission continues to be of 38,117, experts predict communities in the province. With a population next 10 years. This tremendous Mission could exceed 45,000 within the of new business opportunities population growth is creating a wealth
within the community. Mission has benefited from Over the past few years the District of within the 40 acre a dramatic increase in industrial development the creation of job resulted in Silver Creek Industrial Park, which has tax base. There is 151,500sf built opportunities, while also diversifying the provide much-needed space or under construction. These new buildings new companies entering the for local companies that are expanding and
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community. is also expected to increase Commercial business and retail activity Centres is approved for the in 2011/12, as Fraser Valley Shopping retail development along the development of 117,500sf of commercial demand for commercial land Lougheed Highway. As well, with increased interest from the development in Mission, several properties have garnered at the corner of Stave Lake community. The 3.7 acre commercial village new development opportunities and 11th Ave. is nearing completion, and Wren and Lougheed Highway, are in process at the southwest corner of and the Cedar Valley Highway Lougheed of and the northeast corner is the increased activity in Connector. Of particularly significant interest
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having already opened from the Downtown core, with 11 new businesses January to July of 2011. to occur in Cedar Valley, Major residential development continues a mix of residential and an 1,100-acre area that will accommodate Genstar and Madison commercial development. Development companies agreement for Southwest have signed a long-term phased development and is part of a larger 3,400 acre Mission that encompasses some 440 acres a mix of housing options with urban reserve. The development calls for In addition, the plan potential for 1,480 units in the first neighbourhood. a neighbourhood in development includes 60,000 sq. ft. of commercial village design. has been working on what For the past two years, the District of Mission in Mission history: Mission could likely be the largest redevelopment project municipality will be consulting Landing alongside the Fraser River. The as they begin the long term with property owners and residents in 2011 in the area have begun planning for the waterfront. New developments and the Mission Harbour and with the Jack Poole Park and Spirit Square, The Spirit Square will also act Dyke have completed major improvements. Trail.” as a key trailhead for the “Experience the Fraser line in the coming year, the With several exciting projects to come on future looks bright.
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READ ABOUT MISSION’S TOP BUSINESSES
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2011
The annual Business in Your Community is in today’s edition
Enter our Record Trivia Contest on page 22
Celebrate Canada Day at the park
Speedy weekend ahead
BY JASON ROESSLE Mission Record
The West Coast Pro-Mod Challenge happens this weekend, starting Friday. Joe Delehay is one of the front runner competitors attending the event. SEE STORY PAGE 19. SPEEDZONE MAGAZINE PHOTO
PSIT review conclusions queried Apology was a debt owed for five months: Stevens BY ADRIAN MACNAIR Mission Record
Mayor James Atebe was on the defensive at public hearing Monday as Mission residents questioned the findings of the Public Safety Inspection Team (PSIT) property file review. Under scrutiny were 70 homeowners who were levied fees but did not pay. The $115,000 review, which included $78,000 in fee reversals, found there was insufficient evidence to prove that 15 of those
homeowners previously fined met the “evidentiary test identified” under the Controlled Substance Bylaw to be marijuana grow opAtebe erations. Rick Goos, one of the 15 who had his $5,200 fee overturned, said the violation of his individual rights for the interest of public safety wasn’t justified. He asked the mayor how many grow-op related fires there were in Mission last year. When Atebe said he didn’t know, Goos then asked how many fires were started by Christmas lights. “So my question to council, is Christmas next?” Another resident whose property has been declared a controlled
substance property said, “I don’t feel like I’ve had my day in court. I don’t feel like I’ve been able to offer witnesses and evidence to defend myself in this matter.” Atebe acknowledged mistakes have been made, both apologizing to homeowners and asking district staff to draft a letter to homeowners explaining the need for PSIT and an apology. He also said he would write an open letter to the community personally. Coun. Jenny Stevens’ motion to review the criteria used to investigate properties suspected of being grow-ops passed unanimously, adding an apology to the innocent “is a debt we’ve owed for five months.” She said the 15 properties whose fees were reversed received individual communication, and it’s
only fair similar action would be taken for the rest. “We’ve never publicly exonerated them,” she said. But Coun. Mike Scudder said just because PSIT did not designate a home a controlled substance property “does not mean there was a total absence of any kind or innocence was established.” He added one of the false rumours being spread is that residences were inspected without any evidence. Coun. Paul Horn said a review of the criteria and an apology are in keeping with previous council recognition that people need to maintain their dignity throughout the process. See FEES Page 2
It’s a party and everyone is invited. The District of Mission’s Canada Day celebrations happen July 1 at Fraser River Heritage Park, and unless you’re feeling a bit peckish, leave the wallet at home as everything else is free. The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m., with proceeds to Emergency Social Services, followed by the flag raising and singing of the national anthem. Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., take part in gladiator jousting, hay rides, a climbing wall, junior firefighter challenge or learn to juggle. Music and entertainment in the gazebo and on the main stage runs from 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and features performances from the Fraser Valley Fiddlers and Cloggers, Dry Rain Band, Fraser Valley Academy of Dance, the Punjabi Cultural Bangra Club, and Mission Belly Dancers, to name a few. If you want to prove your musical prowess, take part in Mission’s Got Talent, happening on the main stage from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The close-out musical event of the day will be Big City Soul, which takes the main stage at 8:30 p.m. Other highlights include the Baia Brothers X-treme Bike Show (12:30, 2:45, and 5 p.m.), the Loggers Show (11:30 a.m., 1:45 and 4 p.m.), and the Matsqui Flyball and Agility Superdawg Show (11 a.m., 1:15 and 3:30 p.m.). The Great Canadian Fireworks Show, starting at 10 p.m., closes out the action-packed day. For more information, a full schedule, and park map, visit www.mission.ca/canada.
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