Living in the Fraser Valley
The Fraser Valley is anchored by its largest city, Abbotsford, which comprises a mix of urban core amenities, suburban living, and vast farmland.
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The Fraser Valley is the eastern neighbour of the Greater Vancouver Region, and the two areas are readily connected by the TransCanada Highway as well as transit (via transfer from BC Transit to TransLink). Two of the largest cities in the area, Abbotsford and Chilliwack, are known for a long tradition of farming, and provide a wide selection of produce, dairy, and meats to grocery chains across the province. The locally famous "Chilliwack Corn" actually isn’t a specific corn type – it just refers to all corn grown in Chilliwack, BC (and readily available at roadside stands).
Land acknowledgement
PHSA provides specialized health care services to communities in the Fraser Valley, on the territories of many distinct First Nations, including the people who live on the "Land facing the sea" – the Tsawwassen people – to the people who live in the Fraser Canyon. We are grateful to all the First Nations who have cared for and nurtured the lands and waters around us for all time.
Climate and landscape
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The Fraser Valley is located in the southwest of the province, with the city of Langley to the immediate west, and the US (Washington State) to the south. The Fraser Valley enjoys more seasonal weather changes than Vancouver, with more snow in winter and warmer temperatures in summer. The climate is still moderate compared to eastern and northern areas of the province. Farmland is plentiful in the valley, along with lakes and rivers, forest, fields and mountainous terrain.
Amenities
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The cities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack are the area’s largest urban areas, and offer multiple venues for hockey and other arena-type sports. The Fraser Valley has a thriving arts and culture community, offering music festivals, open air markets and many annual events. The area’s many lakes and waterfront boat-access inlets are a draw for tourists looking for cabin adventures and fishing expeditions.
Infrastructure
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The regional health authority operates Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital, Mission General Hospital, and Fraser Canyon Hospital. Post Secondary Institutions include University of the Fraser Valley, with campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission. The Abbotsford International Airport connects travellers to national and international flights.
