CAUSS (Citizens Against Urban Sprawl Society), a non-profit society formed in 1999, comprises concerned citizens in Mission, British Columbia. Members of CAUSS are united by our concerns over a massive housing development proposed for the rural community of Silverdale in Southwest Mission. The development will impact not only current Silverdale residents, the abundant wildlife, and the environment, but also all residents of the District of Mission. As the largest housing development in Western Canada, it is projected to double the population of Mission. CAUSS wants development planning of Silverdale to follow Smart Growth Principles, including meaningful participation of citizens in the development process and adherence to best management practices as recommended by the senior environmental ministries.

The land area in question is 3,400 acres located north of the Lougheed Highway between Maple Ridge and Mission. It is adjacent to the highly sensitive Stave River estuary on the east, the Fraser River on the south, and Silver Creek, a provincially designated sensitive stream, on the west. The Stave River and Silver Creek function as critical wild salmon spawning habitat. Endangered white sturgeon habitat can be found nearby in the Fraser River.

Planning has already begun on the first phase of the development of Silverdale proposed by Genstar Development Corporation. But the planning process is proceeding with extraordinary haste, and the District of Mission’s original policies for guiding the development have been altered. CAUSS members feel that, as a result, the current planning process does not adequately consider the impact of this development on environmentally significant areas, the area’s wildlife, and residents’ drinking water. The financial impacts on Mission taxpayers from the required infrastructure are also unknown.

This website provides information and updates regarding the development, its impact, and how you can support our CAUSS.