DUNSMUIR NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION, MISSION, BC

A grassroots, volunteer-run nonprofit building community, growing food, and strengthening Mission since 2017.

Welcome to the Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association

We began in 2017 as a small group of neighbours on Tenth Avenue, Pine, and Fir streets who gathered for garage sales, holiday lights, and local events. Over time, our neighbourhood connection deepened, and our role expanded as we shared information, supported one another, and contributed thoughtful feedback to the City on local issues.

Today, we are a grassroots, volunteer-run nonprofit that continues to bring Mission residents together while leading community education, responsible land-stewardship conversations, and the development of the Dunsmuir Urban Collective Garden. Whether you live in the Dunsmuir area or anywhere in Mission, there is a place for you here.

Our Home: Mission, British Columbia

Mission is a historic Fraser Valley community known for its forested landscapes, agricultural heritage, and strong neighbourhood spirit. Since 1892, Mission has grown into a diverse and vibrant city with a deep appreciation for community resilience and environmental responsibility.

We are proud to contribute to Mission’s identity through community-led initiatives that support learning, connection, and sustainable growing.

What We Do

Our work is built around three interconnected pillars:

1-Neighbourhood Connection & Support

We strengthen our neighbourhood by helping residents feel informed, supported, and connected.

Our work includes:

Organizing block parties, gatherings, and community events
Supporting seniors with annual Christmas baskets and check-ins
Helping residents find resources, navigate services, and access supports
Connecting residents to the appropriate City departments, or provincial services or community support when questions arise
Acting as a point of contact for information-sharing and community problem-solving

This pillar reflects our roots: looking out for one another and maintaining a strong, caring neighbourhood identity.

2-Dunsmuir Urban Collective Garden on Ninth Avenue

The DUC Garden is a collectively farmed urban food-growing project where volunteers, including students and community members, work together to prepare garden beds, plant and tend crops, learn practical gardening skills, and support local food sustainability. Participation is open to people of all abilities living in Mission, Hatzic, and surrounding communities, with involvement coordinated through the Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association. The property is situated next door to 33543 9th avenue, and is leased from the City.

Our work in the garden includes:

Preparing and maintaining garden beds
Planting, tending, and harvesting produce
Teaching hands-on gardening skills
Supporting local food security
Sharing harvests among volunteers and donating surplus to the Mission Community Services Food Centre

3-Community Education & Environmental Awareness

We curate essential resources on emergency preparedness and local social supports, offering guidance for seniors, families, newcomers, and residents during heat events, floods, or other emergencies.

Our environmental awareness work includes:

Learning about local land-use considerations
Sharing information about sensitive natural areas, including the wetlands near Dunsmuir Street
Maintaining communication with organizations such as the Mission Environmental Department, the Fraser Valley Conservancy, BC Fisheries, and the Mission Environmental Stewardship Society
Participating in environmental community events
Helping raise awareness about responsible land-use practices and ecological protection

Our Supporters

We gratefully acknowledge the organizations whose financial contributions help strengthen our work:

Envision Financial First West Foundation
Jane Goodall Institute, Roots & Shoots

Our Community Partners

We appreciate the collaboration and involvement of groups and organizations we work alongside in various projects and community initiatives:

City of Mission (project collaboration and municipal guidance)
École des Deux Rives (student volunteers and school involvement)
Mission Community Services Society (Food Centre)
Member of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce

These partnerships help us build meaningful programs, share knowledge, and support our community together.

Our In-Kind Supporters & Contributors

We are grateful to the local businesses, individuals, and City departments that have generously provided materials, equipment, or other support for the DUC Garden:

RONA – Fraser Valley Building Supplies
Arnold’s Rentals
McKenzie Seeds
West Coast Seeds
Ivy League Landscaping
Riverside College Carpentry Program
Compost Department
Forestry Department
Klassen Group

These contributions help us grow food, create learning spaces, and support hands-on community involvement.

Get Involved

There are many ways to participate, learn, and connect.

Whether you’re interested in community events, volunteering in the garden, or simply staying informed, we welcome you.

Join us. Volunteer with us. Grow with us.