The cultural evolution of Cedar Park Place

The kaleidoscope of colourful awnings trimming aging retail storefronts along Cedar Park Place demand your attention.

Located along the south side of South Fraser Way Abbotsford, Cedar Park includes a long row of ethnically diverse businesses that is unlike any other strip mall in the Fraser Valley. Walking along the storefronts, you’re inundated with signs in different languages of various colours and sizes advertising sales, store hours, and when the latest Punjabi concert is coming to town.

The pungent smell of fabric dye signals you’re nearing a clothing store while a wide range of rich spices dominated by the fragrance of coriander and cumin reveal the location of Indian food. All of this surrounds a busy parking lot at the centre of the plaza.

Over the years, the shopping centre has evolved into the cultural hub it is known as today. But before it transformed to include businesses of diverse backgrounds, shop owners there were primarily from Mennonite families.

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