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Abbotsford, British Columbia, incorporated as a city in 1995, population 153,524 (2021 census), 141,397 (2016 census). The amalgamation of the district municipalities of Matsqui and Abbotsford formed the city of Abbotsford. Abbotsford is located on the south bank of the Fraser River, 76 km east of Vancouver. The city is named after Harry Braithwaite Abbott, the general superintendent for the British Columbia division of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Abbotsford is BC's fifth most populous municipality.
Economy
Abbotsford has a diverse economy. Industries employing significant numbers of residents include retail, health care and social assistance, manufacturing, construction, and transportation and warehousing. The agricultural sector is also important. The city is known as the “Raspberry Capital of Canada.”
Transportation
The Abbotsford International Airport is a major flight-training facility as well as a developing centre for the aerospace industry. The airport is also the location of the renowned Abbotsford International Air Show.
Cultural Life
Abbotsford is home to several post-secondary institutions, including the University College of the Fraser Valley and two Christian colleges (Columbia Bible College and Summit Pacific College). The Mennonite Educational Institute serves a large Mennonite population. Canada's oldest existing Sikh temple, built in 1911, is now a national historic site. Abbotsford is served by the community newspaper Abbotsford News.
