From 2006-2009, Imagine Abbotsford convened nine regional dialogues held under the auspices of Imagine BC, a five year dialogue series facilitated by Simon Fraser University and its partners. Imagine BC sought to create a forum for diverse perspectives about the future of the province.
Imagine Abbotsford, the regional dialogue in Abbotsford, is supported locally by the Abbotsford Community Foundation, the United Way of the Fraser Valley, the Fraser Valley Centre for Social Enterprise, University of the Fraser Valley and other community interests.
The goal of Imagine Abbotsford (and Imagine BC) was to encourage collaboration within the communities, which in turn helped them respond effectively to future challenges. As ideas were exchanged in open, informed, and critical dialogue, understanding developed between diverse participants. It become possible to develop mutually compatible plans for regional economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. We hope that the ideas and collaborations arising from this event will help to improve the well-being of Abbotsford's future generations.
Our dialogue was and is concerned with examining complex issues in a spirit of open-minded inquiry and curiosity. Our first dialogue series occurred in 2006-7 and a second dialogue occurred in 2007-8. The third event in March 2009 integrated the perspectives of political leaders and the media. A final report in 2009 presented the findings from the three years to City Council.
Ideas generated at this session were first made available to the public via the Imagine BC website, a printed report, and The Abbotsford News. The Reports on the following pages are provided as a rich archive for the benefit of the whole community--and a research base for ACF's approach to granting for the well-being of the whole community.
On behalf of Imagine BC's Abbotsford convenors,
Marilyn Hamilton, PhD, CGA
President, Abbotsford Community Foundation
Chair, Imagine Abbotsford
Imagine BC is an initiative of Simon Fraser University, North Growth Management Ltd.,
the Province of British Columbia, Western Economic Diversification,
and the Vancouver Foundation.
The Imagine Abbotsford Thought Leaders dialogue is sponsored
by Envision Financial Services and Complete Eye Care.