Educational
Park
The Canada
Education Park located in the Sardis, Garrison, and Vedder neighbourhood is
probably the most interesting and obviously different portion of the area. As
mentioned in the introduction of this website it houses ““several major
institutions including the RCMP Pacific Region Training Centre (PRTC), Canadian
Police College, Justice Institute of BC (JIBC), Canada Border Services Agency
(CBSA), University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), and the Agriculture Centre of
Excellence (ACE).”[18]
On paper, this sounds like a sore thumb
sticking out in the middle of such a culturally rich neighbourhood, but in
actuality it fits quite nicely. Surrounded by trees, parks, fields, and nearly
bordering the Vedder River, this Educational Park feels like more recreational
as you walk through it. Undoubtedly this was done deliberately so as to use the
space wisely but without compromising the strong sense of community wrapping
around it.
Unfortunately,
not much has been written/published about the Canada Educational Park in terms
of statistical, demographic, or social information. It is undoubtedly
referenced in many news clippings and searched diligently by a few thousand
students every day but, as for research it would seem that the Educational Park
has been flying under the radar. Much about the facilities statistics
themselves do not give any valuable or consistent information regarding the
place of the Education Park within the community. However, by referencing
social and geographical theories made by Knox and Pinch, inferences about the
Educational Park’s influence and development can be made.
It is no
wonder that the demographic of Sardis, Garrison, and Vedder feel that there is
not an increase in the crime rate of their neighbourhood considering there are
four government law enforcement training facilities located within it. Even if
these cadets are not fully certified
or are possibly not even on duty, I am sure their presence alone deters the
prospect of illegal activities in the immediate neighbourhood. This use of
space creates a sense of safety in the communities central identity. The
presence of these institutions alone influences the culture of Sardis,
Garrison, and Vedder in an extremely favourable way. This adds to the already
thriving culture, or maybe the culture was added to it, in a way that allows
people to feel the freedom to utilize the outdoor recreational areas like the
Vedder Rotary Trail.
The Sardis,
Garrison, and Vedder culture is further amplified by the presence of the
University of the Fraser Valley and the Agriculture Centre of Excellence as
these two facilities only promote and enhance the already healthy lifestyles desired by the inhabitants of the area.
Environmental and educational health is undoubtedly a must in the Sardis,
Garrison, and Vedder neighbourhood development toward identity and culture.
This also adds to the list of amenities that is tightly wound into the
exclusive community and helps to cause further exclusion to the other parts of
Chilliwack as it fills the neighbourhood with students and professors alike,
undoubtedly mostly all part of the wealthier or more successful middle-class
families.
The Canada
Education Park is a welcome addition to the developing culture inside of
Sardis, Garrison, and Vedder. Its presence attracts economy and desirability for
living and the space it uses gives it a sense of peace, safety, and culture.
Although not much can be said about its statistical improvements on the
community, it has undoubtedly helped to shape the area around it as well it has
obviously been shaped itself by the same area.
[18]
