What’s UP at the Archives – October 4th, 2025
NEW Video: Mission’s Iconic CPR Station
On January 26th , 1999, a fast-moving fire destroyed Mission’s iconic Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Station, a national historic site. A prefabricated building constructed in 1909, the station was the centre of commerce and served as a cultural hub spanning more than 8 decades.
Lost Heritage is a new video by the Mission Community Archives which explores the station’s pivotal historical role in Mission’s development and the extraordinary efforts by the community to preserve it, before and after the fire.
Showcasing treasures from the Archives trove of historic photographs and documentation of those involved, Lost Heritage is both a celebration of a bygone era and a reflection of the collective action to save the CPR Station while fighting a losing battle.
Among the ardent advocates was John Levitt, President of the Mission City Lions Club. Following the devastating fire, he spearheaded a campaign to rebuild the station.
A full page ad donated by the Mission City Record was published in the February 25th issue of the newspaper that contained John’s impassioned plea to the community: “…I believe that a new building can replace the old and still be entrusted with the memories of years gone by while, at the same time, once again building new memories for all residents who will use this new building with pride…We do not need your money, what we really require is just your support at this time…”
A Culture Days event, Lost Heritage can be viewed on the Archives YouTube Channel. CLICK HERE to WATCH
There are many pieces to the CPR Station’s storied past that are not fully documented and therefore, I wish to connect with anyone who has information regarding the community’s efforts to both save and rebuild the CPR Station, said Archivist Val Billesberger. If you can help, please contact the Archives by email (missioncommunityarchives@gmail.com,) or call 604-820-2621.
What’s UP at the Archives – September 30th, 2025
Mission Community Foundation Grant
Thanks to the Mission Community Foundation, two custom-built workstations were recently purchased – key components of the Archives strategy for digitizing and managing the treasure trove of materials housed in the Archives. This generous donation reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to “building community through philanthropy” by supporting the important work by local non-profit organizations like the Mission District Historical Society which operates the Archives.
Part of a multi-phase project to advance the ongoing management of and public accessibility to the Archives ONLINE DIGITAL REPOSITORY, the new workstations were installed on September 17th by Wildfrog Systems Ltd. They replace the antiquated equipment which no longer supported updates to the specialized software used for digitization nor the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, the new mandatory operating system commencing October 10, 2025.
Unlike standard desktops, the new workstations feature advanced processors, more memory (RAM), high-end graphics cards, and fast storage to ensure reliability, stability, and efficiency for using the specialized software to digitize records, said Archivist Val Billesberger. We are extremely grateful to the
Mission Community Foundation for funding this critically important hardware for both the initial digitization and the long-term preservation of digital records by the Mission Community Archives.
If you would like to support the Mission Community Foundation in assisting the Mission Community Archives to preserve and make accessible the community’s documentary heritage, please contact missioncommunityarchives@gmail.com or visit missionarchives.com to find out more.
What’s UP at the Archives – July 10, 2025
A Memorable, Inspirational Afternoon
The Second Annual UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL was a resounding success! Held in the Mission Library Meeting Room on June 28th, special guest speakers Judith Ray and Lori Wikdahl shared compelling narratives of milestones in their personal lives facilitated by Linda Clark. Their vivid storytelling evoked strong emotions, sparked laughter, and inspired reflection. It was indeed a memorable and engaging afternoon for all!
Thank you to everyone who attended this fundraising event for the Paths & Pathfinders: Women of Mission Program – your participation contributed to its overall success. A special thanks to our sponsors for their generous support: Swing Optical, Mission Superstore, private donors and award-winning photographer Bob Friesen who donated his services, capturing the passion and engaging storytelling of both speakers.
At the conclusion of the event, Archivist Val Billesberger announced that the 2025 honourees for the Paths and Pathfinders: Women of Mission Program were: Nancy Arcand, a distinctive clay artist with an imaginative style, actively enriching Mission’s arts scene through creative practice and community involvement; Candace Koch, a fierce advocate for improving lives and building stronger, more inclusive communities; and Louise Lacerte, a long-time Mission resident and selfless volunteer who has dedicated her life in service to the community.
All three women will be acknowledged for their work and contributions to the community at the 28th Women of Mission Gala which is being held on Saturday October 25th at All Saints Anglican Church Hall. Watch for further details, on our social media and website or send an email to obtain additional information.
View our photo gallery of the event featuring photographs by Bob Friesen, who was the official photographer. If you wish to order any images please contact Bob Friesen Photography.
