Meet Councillor Patricia Ross of the City of Abbotsford, a Successful Amalgamated City
With an estimated population of 141,397 people as of the 2016 census, it is the largest municipality of the Fraser Valley Regional District, the fifth-largest municipality of British Columbia. The amalgamation of the Village of Abbotsford and the District of Sumas into the District of Abbotsford occurred in 1972. The District of Abbotsford amalgamated with the District of Matsqui in 1994 to become the City of Abbotsford.
Patricia Ross is currently serving a 7th term on Abbotsford City Council. She recently spoke with the Capital Region Municipal Amalgamation Society and offered her salient points on the post-amalgamation city.
About Patricia Ross:
Patricia Ross is the recipient of the 2009 "Woman of the Year" Award. Her current appointments include:
In December 2004, Patricia spoke at the International Climate Change conference in Buenos Aires about the challenges and rewards of environmental conservation in local government. Patricia is a motivational and keynote speaker as well as a published free-lance writer. From 2000 to 2006, Patricia took on the job of Public and Media Relations Coordinator and Chief Lobbyist for the City of Abbotsford on their successful and precedent setting campaign of opposition to the polluting power plant proposal of Sumas Energy 2 (SE2). If built, this plant would have emitted 2 1/2 tons of pollutants into a sensitive and confined airshed, affecting the health of over 300,000 people and local biodiversity. In March of 2006, SE2 admitted defeat.
Awards received include the 2009 "Woman of the Year" award from the Business & Professional Women's Club of Abbotsford / Mission, "Newsmaker of the Year" award from the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, "Service Recognition" award from the Abbotsford Police Department Victim Services, "Order of the Fraser Valley" from a local community group, "Environmental Watchdog" award from the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, and the "Green Leader" award from the Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club. In 2003, the district of Mission Council took the unusual step of presenting Patricia with a certificate of appreciation for "working to preserve air quality in the Fraser Valley”. In 2007, Patricia was granted the "Paul Harris" Rotary club award for her community work.
With an estimated population of 141,397 people as of the 2016 census, it is the largest municipality of the Fraser Valley Regional District, the fifth-largest municipality of British Columbia. The amalgamation of the Village of Abbotsford and the District of Sumas into the District of Abbotsford occurred in 1972. The District of Abbotsford amalgamated with the District of Matsqui in 1994 to become the City of Abbotsford.
Patricia Ross is currently serving a 7th term on Abbotsford City Council. She recently spoke with the Capital Region Municipal Amalgamation Society and offered her salient points on the post-amalgamation city.
- I have nothing but positive things to say about the 1994 Abbotsford Amalgamation that came about after a binding referendum in 1993. After the amalgamation a by-election was held to elect the new council for the new city.
- Before amalgamation each neighbourhood community within the city felt its own distinct flavour would be lost if amalgamated. 20 years after amalgamation each community still has its own uniqueness.
- Before amalgamation communities faced constant controversy, confrontation and posturing. After amalgamation there is little of that, and much more harmony. During the first few years, the different bylaws were blended, and there is still some debate over that, but generally the process went smoothly.
- After amalgamation was implemented and settled, civic pride increased, and a more overall cohesive community emerged.
- Once amalgamated, within a few years the economy greatly improved.
- For a number of years the community had the fastest growing economy in Canada. The price of that may have been social issues, as homelessness can be a result of a prosperous society. The growth was so fast that perhaps a slower pace may have been more beneficial to the environment. However, we are still very innovative environmentally as we have, for example, the first anaerobic digester in BC and the first ice hockey rink in the world that uses only rainwater. It's the more development-related issues, such as stream conservation, tree retention and wildlife care that are challenged.
- With amalgamation came better, easier access to government funding. Before amalgamation it was always a struggle and we were mainly defeated in our attempts to obtain government funding.
- If it were not amalgamated today, Abbotsford would likely be stuck in a rut, spinning its wheels, with the economy not as improved, and less community harmony.
About Patricia Ross:
Patricia Ross is the recipient of the 2009 "Woman of the Year" Award. Her current appointments include:
- Vice-Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District
- Abbotsford/Mission Water and Sewer Services Commission
- Abbotsford Environmental Advisory Committee
- Restorative Justice Board
- Metro Vancouver Board
In December 2004, Patricia spoke at the International Climate Change conference in Buenos Aires about the challenges and rewards of environmental conservation in local government. Patricia is a motivational and keynote speaker as well as a published free-lance writer. From 2000 to 2006, Patricia took on the job of Public and Media Relations Coordinator and Chief Lobbyist for the City of Abbotsford on their successful and precedent setting campaign of opposition to the polluting power plant proposal of Sumas Energy 2 (SE2). If built, this plant would have emitted 2 1/2 tons of pollutants into a sensitive and confined airshed, affecting the health of over 300,000 people and local biodiversity. In March of 2006, SE2 admitted defeat.
Awards received include the 2009 "Woman of the Year" award from the Business & Professional Women's Club of Abbotsford / Mission, "Newsmaker of the Year" award from the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, "Service Recognition" award from the Abbotsford Police Department Victim Services, "Order of the Fraser Valley" from a local community group, "Environmental Watchdog" award from the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, and the "Green Leader" award from the Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club. In 2003, the district of Mission Council took the unusual step of presenting Patricia with a certificate of appreciation for "working to preserve air quality in the Fraser Valley”. In 2007, Patricia was granted the "Paul Harris" Rotary club award for her community work.