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Highstreet Transit Exchange to Transform West Abbotsford
A major public transit upgrade is underway in West Abbotsford. The City, BC Transit, and the Province of British Columbia officially announced construction of the new Highstreet Transit Exchange. Located beside Highstreet Shopping Centre, the project will create a new mobility hub designed to improve local and regional transit connections. This investment supports better access for riders today while strengthening long-term connectivity for residents, workers, and nearby communities.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026 with completion expected by the end of summer 2026. The project carries a budget of $8.1 million, including a $3.2 million provincial funding through BC Transit.
During construction, a temporary exchange along Cardinal Avenue will serve transit users, with two-way traffic maintained on Highstreet Access Road and accessible pedestrian detours in place.
What’s Changing: A New Transit Hub in West Abbotsford
Located on Highstreet Access Road between Mt. Lehman Road and Cardinal Avenue, the new exchange will replace informal stops with a fully designed transit facility. The public infrastructure will include:
- Five new bus bays serving local and regional routes (including Fraser Valley Express and key local services)
- Shelters with bench seating, enhanced lighting, and bike racks
- New pedestrian and bicycle amenities, including a multi-use pathway connecting Cardinal Avenue to Mt. Lehman Road
- Public plaza space with trees and seating
- A dedicated operator washroom building
Together, these features improve safety, comfort, and accessibility while allowing for future transit growth.
Community & Transit Impact
Mayor Ross Siemens highlighted the exchange as central to Abbotsford’s role as a growing Fraser Valley hub, enabling more reliable connections across the city and region. In addition, BC Transit’s leadership also noted the upgrade’s role in supporting increased service capacity and future expansions.
The project aligns with Abbotsford’s Transportation & Transit Master Plan and BC Transit future network planning. Specifically, it supports enhanced transit infrastructure along key corridors to accommodate rising ridership and regional connectivity goals.
In practical terms, residents who currently rely on Route 1, Route 2, and the #66 Fraser Valley Express, among others, can expect improved boarding areas, clearer wayfinding. Riders will experience shorter wait times and safer transfers, encouraging greater transit use across the city.
What This Means for Community Growth & Real Estate
From a real-estate perspective, this transit investment helps solidify West Abbotsford’s appeal as a well-connected community node. Access to transit hubs is increasingly seen as a value-enhancing factor for both residential and commercial properties, particularly in areas that combine convenience with lifestyle amenities. As observed in adjacent developments like Highstreet Village, proximity to transit fosters reduced driving dependency, greater mobility for commuters, and broader access to employment and regional destinations.
With this exchange positioned to act as both a local circulator and regional connector, nearby neighbourhoods may see heightened interest from buyers and renters seeking transit-oriented living. Over time, this can translate into stronger long-term demand dynamics and community vibrancy.
Looking Ahead
The Highstreet Transit Exchange represents a significant infrastructure milestone for Abbotsford’s transit network in 2026. Notably, it builds on recent enhancements elsewhere in the city. In addition, the project lays the groundwork for continued service expansion in the years ahead. Residents and stakeholders can anticipate a safer, more efficient, and future-ready transit experience by late summer, even as construction brings temporary changes early in the year.
For more details on construction updates, service adjustments, and route information, transit users are encouraged to consult BC Transit alerts and the City of Abbotsford’s project resources.
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