Mill Lake Park Master Plan

The City of Abbotsford is developing a comprehensive long-term plan for Mill Lake Park to provide a framework for the park’s ongoing development, use and management. The final Master Plan will provide a practical community based vision and guiding principles, illustrative conceptual plans for future improvements, and a phased construction strategy to guide the direction and prioritization of park projects and programming over the next 15 to 20 years.

Stage 1: Background Research/Key Findings

Stage 1 was focused on establishing baseline information for the current park area in order to better understand the opportunities and constraints of the park. This involved researching and investigating historic and existing City plans, policies and initiatives with relevance to Mill Lake Park and inventorying the existing site conditions, characteristics, park assets and character areas of the park. A draft vision and guiding principles were also developed and a thorough first round of public and key stakeholder engagement was completed to assess the community needs and priorities for the park.

Check out the Public Engagement Summary to find out what we heard.

Stage 2: Exploring Options

The beginning of Stage 2 was focused on developing three concept plans for the long-term development and management of the park based on the extensive community consultation that took place during Stage 1.

Please Note:

Various park amenities and infrastructure shown to be removed in the three concept plans may be relocated elsewhere within the City as considered appropriate through further consultation and the completion of further strategic plans and assessments such as the Aquatic Services and Facilities Strategy and the Sport Court and Field Strategy or the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. The timing of the addition, expansion, removal or relocation of amenities and infrastructure associated with a final park master plan will be a phased and staggered approach over the next 15-20 years.

At this time, the City is conducting a second round of community consultation to hear from residents, park users and stakeholders about the ideas being explored in the three concept plans.

We want to hear from you!

Options for public engagement include an online survey, virtual Q&A, stakeholder workshop(s) and two public open houses at the Park. Join us to have your say on the future of Mill Lake Park.

Stage 1: Background Research/Key Findings

Check out the Public Engagement Summary to find out what we heard.

Stage 2: Exploring Options

Please Note:

At this time, the City is conducting a second round of community consultation to hear from residents, park users and stakeholders about the ideas being explored in the three concept plans.

We want to hear from you!

Options for public engagement include an online survey, virtual Q&A, stakeholder workshop(s) and two public open houses at the Park. Join us to have your say on the future of Mill Lake Park.

Ask us a Question!

Share I live on the lake and have been watching it deteriorate, especially in the last 5 years. Let me ask the question nobody seems to want to hear or respond to: Why is there nothing in any of the Master Plan concepts that provides for the ongoing sustainability of the lake itself? JayR on Facebook Share I live on the lake and have been watching it deteriorate, especially in the last 5 years. Let me ask the question nobody seems to want to hear or respond to: Why is there nothing in any of the Master Plan concepts that provides for the ongoing sustainability of the lake itself? JayR on Twitter Share I live on the lake and have been watching it deteriorate, especially in the last 5 years. Let me ask the question nobody seems to want to hear or respond to: Why is there nothing in any of the Master Plan concepts that provides for the ongoing sustainability of the lake itself? JayR on Linkedin Email I live on the lake and have been watching it deteriorate, especially in the last 5 years. Let me ask the question nobody seems to want to hear or respond to: Why is there nothing in any of the Master Plan concepts that provides for the ongoing sustainability of the lake itself? JayR link

I live on the lake and have been watching it deteriorate, especially in the last 5 years. Let me ask the question nobody seems to want to hear or respond to: Why is there nothing in any of the Master Plan concepts that provides for the ongoing sustainability of the lake itself? JayR

JayR asked 7 months ago

Thank you for the question.

In addition to some of the more notable macro-scale ideas that are being explored and that can be easily conveyed on a concept plan (e.g., adding a new playground), the Master Plan for the park will also explore things like enhancing the environmental conditions of the park, including actions that may contribute to the improvement the lake water and associated habitats. These ideas may include introducing raingardens and storm water cleansing ponds and channels, re-establishing and enhancing the riparian habitat around the lake and researching new methods for animal and invasive species management. The poor water quality of the Lake is a complex issue and is a result of many factors, including the historical use of the lake, its relatively shallow profile, the abundance of waterfowl that call the lake their home and lastly, the fact that the lake water is replenished solely by 10+ stormwater outfalls that bring storm water runoff into the lake from surrounding areas of the City. Therefore, while this park planning process is looking at ways to contribute to the improvement the lake water, improving the lake water quality to the degree necessary to allow activities like public swimming would require a significant engagement process with professional consultants to undertake studies necessary to determine what additional measures would be required to bring water quality levels to an acceptable level for public use.

Why take away the boardwalk when that is a favourite place for everyone to stop and enjoy the view? It is an integral part of the park and makes no sense to remove it. It needs some repairs but would rather have this than move playgrounds etc. Also, I don’t see anywhere about the possibility of getting lights on paths so all can feel safe walking in the evening to enjoy the water fountain lights that were recently installed.

Nlou asked 7 months ago

Thank you for your question.

At this point in time the three concept plans are exploring different options for the long-term development of the park over the next 15-20 years, and no decisions have been made. All feedback will be accounted for through this stage of public engagement and will be used to help refine the ideas for the preferred concept plan that will be brought forward to Council for their direction.

Share Why would the plan involve removing the outdoor pool when money was just recently put into improving it? The pool is a hub for competitive swimming and competitions. Our recreation facilities are already not enough to support the growing population of families in Abbotsford. Why is the city removing what little recreational and sport facilities we currently have? on Facebook Share Why would the plan involve removing the outdoor pool when money was just recently put into improving it? The pool is a hub for competitive swimming and competitions. Our recreation facilities are already not enough to support the growing population of families in Abbotsford. Why is the city removing what little recreational and sport facilities we currently have? on Twitter Share Why would the plan involve removing the outdoor pool when money was just recently put into improving it? The pool is a hub for competitive swimming and competitions. Our recreation facilities are already not enough to support the growing population of families in Abbotsford. Why is the city removing what little recreational and sport facilities we currently have? on Linkedin Email Why would the plan involve removing the outdoor pool when money was just recently put into improving it? The pool is a hub for competitive swimming and competitions. Our recreation facilities are already not enough to support the growing population of families in Abbotsford. Why is the city removing what little recreational and sport facilities we currently have? link

Why would the plan involve removing the outdoor pool when money was just recently put into improving it? The pool is a hub for competitive swimming and competitions. Our recreation facilities are already not enough to support the growing population of families in Abbotsford. Why is the city removing what little recreational and sport facilities we currently have?

amparlee asked 7 months ago

Thank you for your question.
At this point in time the three concept plans are exploring different options for the long-term development of the park over the next 15-20 years, and no decisions have been made. Once we finalize this stage of public engagement, we will use the input gathered from it to further refine the ideas into a preferred concept plan for the park for further consideration. When discussing any major changes to the park, the timeframe for the implementation of this master plan is an important consideration because it will take place in a phased and staggered approach over the next 15-20+ years, not instantaneously. This could mean that something like the outdoor pool might be replaced or removed at end of life or once other facilities have been established elsewhere in the City. Input from ongoing and future strategies, such as the Arena and Infrastructure Strategy, Aquatic Services and Facilities Strategy, the Sport Court and Field Strategy or the PRC Master Plan update will also play a large role in providing guidance for the long term needs of the community.

Are there plans to clean up Mill Lake so that people can swim in the lake?

13Mo2 asked 7 months ago

Thank you for the question.

Lake water quality is complex issue at Mill Lake Park. Poor water quality in Mill Lake is a result of many factors, including the historical use of the lake, its relatively shallow profile, the abundance of waterfowl that call the lake their home and lastly, the fact that the lake water is replenished solely by 10+ stormwater outfalls that bring storm water runoff into the lake from surrounding areas of the City. Therefore, while this park planning process is looking at ways to contribute to the improvement the lake water, such as introducing raingardens and storm water cleansing ponds and channels, re-establishing and enhancing the riparian habitat around the lake and researching new methods for animal and invasive species management, improving the lake water quality to the degree necessary to allow public swimming would require a significant engagement process with professional consultants to undertake studies necessary to determine what measures would be required to bring water quality levels to an acceptable level for public use.

Regarding the restructuring of the old trestle does that mean it’s going to be eliminated? I sure hope not since it’s our history. A better idea would be to build a new walkway beside the old trestle so our history can be preserved and everyone can enjoy it from the new walkway that would run parallel to it.

Mark S. asked 7 months ago

Great question.

More investigation into the possible options for delivering this idea is needed as there may be significant environmental constraints associate with disturbing the structure and with building new structures within the lake that must be considered. In addition to this, senior government approvals will be required for any works within the lake. Following this stage of public engagement, further exploration and assessment into the feasibility of delivering this idea will be completed and will in part inform future outcomes.

What if we don't like/have issue with all of the proposed plans? Many people seem to have issue with the removal of the pool, expansion of water play area not many use, and for apparently making cycling options worse? Can we not make a new plan that actually listens to the needs of citizens?

Schretien asked 7 months ago

Thank you for your question.

At this point in time, the three concept plans are exploring different options for the long-term development of the park over the next 15-20 years, and no decisions have been made. The ideas being explored, such as improving the lake loop in different ways and examining whether certain types of traffic on the loop should be limited are a result of the feedback we heard through the initial stages of public engagement. Once we finalize this stage of public engagement, we will use the input gathered from it to further refine the ideas into a preferred concept plan for the park for further consideration.

Does the boardwalk need to be removed in order for the trestle to be installed? It would make for great variety to the park.

jck asked 7 months ago

Thanks for your question.

The trestle remains that we are currently exploring ideas around restoration are the ones located in the southwest portion of the lake, so there would be no need to remove the boardwalk in order to make improvements in this area.

In the plans you ate removing ball diamonds. We already dont have enough ball diamonds to support our youth baseball/softball programs. Will the ball diamonds be replaced with new ones elsewhere in Abbotsford?

amparlee asked 7 months ago

Thank you for your question.

At this point in time, the three concept plans are exploring different options for the long-term development of the park over the next 15-20 years, and no decisions have been made. Once we finalize this stage of public engagement, we will use the input gathered from it to further refine the ideas into a preferred concept plan for the park which we will then bring forward to Council for their direction. When discussing any major changes to the park, the timeframe for the implementation of this master plan is an important consideration as it will take place in a phased and staggered approach over the next 15-20+ years, not instantaneously. This could mean that something like a ball diamond might be removed at end of life or once other facilities have been established elsewhere in the City. Input from ongoing and future strategies, such as the Arena and Infrastructure Strategy, Aquatic Services and Facilities Strategy, the Sport Court and Field Strategy or the PRC Master Plan update will also play a large role in providing guidance for the long term needs of the community.