Standing as a cornerstone of Mission’s architectural heritage, the Mission Museum building represents one of our community’s most valuable historical landmarks.
This comprehensive restoration will meticulously preserve the building’s historic character while ensuring proper protection for its extensive collection of over 10,000 artifacts. The renovated facility will continue to serve as a vital educational centre, offering dynamic programs that showcase Mission’s rich history.
Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2024, with completion targeted for April 2025.
Proposed Restoration Schedule
Phase 1 – Roofing Project Completed 2023
- Replacement of cedar shingles
- Work to the exterior to ensure the preservation of the building and the character defining elements
- Re-assessing and prioritizing repair efforts for the building’s exterior damages
Phase 2 – Wall/Window/Door Conservation Project (2024)
- The replacement of exterior cedar wall shingles/shakes with matching cedar shingles/shakes
- Repairing and restoring windows to match the existing profile and conditions and replacing broken stained glass
- Repairing and replacing upper floor window trim
- Installing new metal wall flashing prior to shingle installation
- Installing metal flashing around all dormer windows as it is in poor condition and needs replacing
- Repairing lower floor exterior wood cladding, repairing water damage, rehabilitating existing exterior doors and frames, installing weather stripping
- Refurbishing accessibility ramp as well as the front entrance porch and stairs
- Soffit maintenance work
- Repainting the entire building exterior in a period appropriate colour scheme as identified in the Conservation Plan
Museum History Timeline
Built in 1907, this building serves as the Canadian Bank of Commerce.
The pre-fabricated building is brought via 12 railcars from New Westminster and assembled on Washington Street, now known as First Avenue.
The building serves as a bank until 1947, when the Canadian Bank of Commerce builds a new premises.
The Canadian Bank of Commerce donates its bank building for use as a library.
The building is relocated to a new site up on Second Avenue at the head of Welton Street, its current location.
The former bank houses Mission’s public library for 25 years, until another library is built at Second Avenue and James Street.
In 1972, the former library becomes home to the Mission Museum and Mission District Historical Society. The archives is also housed here until 1984, when they move into a new purpose-built facility next door.
Celebrating Mission’s centennial year, the museum building is restored to its 1907 colours and raised to accommodate new steps and a front porch.
An Edwardian Garden that surrounds the Mission Museum is planted by the hardworking ‘Gorilla Gardeners’, a group of gardening volunteers.
The new garden is based on a design donated by Peggy Jessome of 'Idea Garden Design' in Chilliwack, matching the Edwardian building’s aesthetics.
It is funded entirely by donations from Mission businesses and residents.
The current restoration project aims to conserve the walls, windows and doors of the 118 year old museum building.
Take a look at the conservation plan HERE.
2024-2025 Mission Museum Restoration Project
