Mill Lake Park is the heart of Abbotsford — a cherished green space offering recreation, culture, and connection for residents and visitors alike. As one of the most popular parks in Abbotsford, Mill Lake Park has long been a place where the community gathers, plays, and reconnects with nature. With Abbotsford’s population expected to grow from 172,000 today to 250,000 by 2050, the City has unveiled a bold, community-driven plan to shape the future of this iconic park.
Why Mill Lake Park Matters to Abbotsford
Located in the City Centre, Mill Lake Park is more than just a park — it’s a central hub for the entire Abbotsford community. Surrounded by schools, neighborhoods, and key civic institutions, Mill Lake Park is used daily by people of all ages. Whether it’s walking the lake loop, enjoying the splash park, or attending events like Symphony in the Park, this space plays a vital role in the social fabric of Abbotsford.
As Abbotsford real estate continues to grow, urban parks like Mill Lake are critical to maintaining quality of life. The Mill Lake Master Plan was created to guide the park’s development over the next 20 years and ensure it continues to meet the needs of a growing, diverse population.
The Vision: Mill Lake Master Plan
The Mill Lake Master Plan outlines a clear vision built on seven “Big Moves”:
- Create space for community and culture
- Prioritize broad public use
- Reallocate and improve parking
- Enhance park amenities
- Protect and restore the environment
- Upgrade the popular lake loop trail
- Improve park entrances and connections
This vision was shaped by public input, with over 1,700 residents participating in surveys, open houses, and stakeholder engagement sessions. The strong message: Mill Lake Park is essential to Abbotsford’s identity, and residents want to see it preserved, improved, and accessible for all.
What’s Changing in Mill Lake Park
To support long-term park use, the Master Plan proposes improvements across three main areas of Mill Lake Park:
1. Northern Entrance (Area 1)
- New entrance plaza with lake and mountain views
- Covered outdoor stage and terraced seating
- Relocated parking and enhanced pedestrian space
- New playground and reimagined boardwalk
2. Southeast Cultural Hub (Area 2)
- Multi-purpose Arts, Culture & Community Building
- Upgraded access from Ware Street and Bevan Avenue
- Disc golf course, food service infrastructure, and outdoor classrooms
- Restoration of Willband Creek and enhanced natural areas
3. Western Zone (Area 3)
- Expanded spray park and upgraded playground
- Off-leash dog area and picnic shelter
- Reconfigured ball diamonds and interpretive signage
- Additional parking and forest preservation
Each zone has been carefully planned to balance recreational space, ecological sustainability, and heritage preservation.
Sustainability and Heritage in Focus
Mill Lake Park is home to native forest groves, wildlife, and a unique urban lake fed by stormwater and groundwater. The Mill Lake Master Plan includes measures to protect the riparian zone, improve water quality, and expand tree canopy coverage — aligning with Abbotsford’s Urban Forest Strategy.
Cultural heritage also plays a key role. Trethewey House, Kariton House, and the former mill trestle are being preserved and highlighted with interpretive signage and expanded grounds. As a result, Mill Lake Park will continue to be a space where Abbotsford’s history is shared and celebrated.
The Role of Parks in Abbotsford Real Estate
For buyers, investors, and families considering Abbotsford real estate, proximity to high-quality urban parks like Mill Lake is a major value driver. This Master Plan reinforces the long-term livability of central Abbotsford, supporting both community well-being and property values.
From a city planning perspective, this type of reinvestment into public spaces reflects a broader trend of sustainable urban growth — something prospective homeowners increasingly care about.
Looking Ahead
Mill Lake Park is already a beloved destination in the Fraser Valley, and the new Master Plan ensures it will remain that way for generations to come. Whether you’re enjoying a walk around the lake, gathering with friends, or discovering local culture, Mill Lake Park is a place where Abbotsford comes together.
As our city grows, Mill Lake Park will continue to be a vital part of Abbotsford’s identity — and a key amenity that enhances our quality of life, attracts investment, and connects community.