Group Trip Report Draft
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University of the Fraser Valley *
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251
Subject
History
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
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6
Uploaded by AgentEmuPerson400
To:
Dr. Jeffrey Orr
From:
Group 6
Date:
October 19, 2023
Subject:
Group Trip to Abbotsford Canadian Reformed Church
Introduction
On October 20, 2023, our group visited the parking lot at 33947 King Rd, Abbotsford BC V2S
7M7 at 2:50 pm. The objective of this trip was to make observations around the parking lot
present at the Canadian Reformed Church. We used different techniques to make observations
such as taking photos and notes while walking around the area. This group trip report discusses
aspects like human & physical geographical context, our observations and initial suggestion.
Initial Impression
As soon as we reached the location, we noticed that it is a quite location and the only noise that
can be heard is from the vehicles travelling on the adjacent road. This location is surrounded by
residential area. There were only 3 cars in the parking lot when we reached there. A board at the
church (refer to Figure 1) read “Sunday Services 10 am & 2:30 pm” and since we visited there
on Friday, we thought that may be the reason why it was quiet. Also, in the parking lot, there was
a basketball hoop for children to play. We think it is mainly there for children because it was not
too high (refer to Figure 2). Figure 3 shows the construction going on at the church. Another
striking thing we noticed across the parking lot was a wooden sign of a shotgun which said, “we
don’t call 911.”
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
The Human Geographical Context
As per the 2011 and 2016 Census and then 2011 National Household Survey, the neighborhood
has approximately 3,775 inhabitants. The average age of residents in this area is 39 years old
which is just 1 year more than the overall average age of Abbotsford residents. This area consists
of a diverse community with the predominant immigrant population being of Asian descent. With
1,400 dwellings, the neighborhood has 3.08 persons per household. Also, the average annual
income of the neighborhood is $69,696 (UDistrict Neighbourhood Plan, 2018). According to
Zillow.com, the value of the houses in the close vicinity of the parking lot ranges from $696k to
$1.05M. Another website (cityprotect.com) reveals that there have been two criminal incidents in
the area in the past 4 weeks. We observed that foot traffic is very low in the neighborhood;
however, vehicle traffic is medium. Most of the vehicle traffic is due to students and staff coming
from and going to the University of the Fraser Valley which is close to this location.
The Physical Geographical Context
According to the City of Abbotsford’s records, this lot has an area of 8,087.42 meters squared
and a land value of $1,644,000.00 as well as an improvement value of $414,200.00 for a total
value of $2,058,200.00 (City of Abbotsford, 2023). Currently, this lot is being used by a church
that was built in 1950 (BC Assessment, 2023). Upon observation, we immediately noticed two
public bus stops on both the North and the South side of King Rd in front of the lot. This location
is almost directly across from the University of The Fraser Valley. It is also important to note that
the Highway is a few hundred meters north of this specific lot. Moving west on King Rd, there is
the Abbotsford Events Center, a couple autobody stores, Bubble Tasty Tea, 7-Eleven, College
Park Liquor Store, Sushi Box, Cannon Medical Clinic, and Opex Fitness.
Our Observations and Impressions
During our time at this location, we noticed many different things about this property. The first
thing that stood out was the uneven ground and the slanted parking lot. There is quite a
downslope towards the north side of the property. As for the size of the parking lot, we counted
about 120 parking stalls (including 6 small car spots and 14 handicap spots). In addition to the
parking lot, there was a large area of dirt/grass which was seemingly not being used for anything
(figure 4). We thought that that felt like a waste of space. Around the back of the building, we
noticed lots of garbage, piles of dirt (figure 5), and some clothes which we believe could have
been a result of some homelessness. When we were walking around the neighborhood, there
were three building proposal signs (figure 6) all in close proximity to the location. All three of
the building proposals were for adding residences to the area. We also saw multiple children on
bikes in the area, since we were there after school hours. One child was even riding around in the
uneven, slanted parking lot.
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Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Our Initial Suggestion
The first suggestion that we came up with for the use of this property was to make it into a
recreation area. Since there are proposals for new lots and new townhouses in the immediate
area, we thought it could be nice to have a park right there. There are three other parks within
walking distance of this lot, but two of them are on the other side of the highway, which can be
difficult to walk across. Also, since we saw many children outside after school, we think a
recreation area here would benefit the community. It would allow the community to gather and
spend time together. There could be swings in the park for the children and the adults could use
this space to take a walk and spend some time in the park which would have a very nice view of
the Eagle Mountain.
Bibliography
BC Assessment. (2023).
33947 KING RD ABBOTSFORD V2S 7M7.
Abbotsford: BC
Government.
UDistrict Neighbourhood Plan (2018). Retrieved from
https://www.ufv.ca/media/assets/campus-planning/u-district/UDistrict-Draft-Plan-
v
7---FINAL.pdf
City Protect. (2023).
Incident Updates.
Abbotsford, BC: ESRI.
Zillow. (Real Estate & Homes For Sale). Abbotsford, BC: Zillow.
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