[7] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on August 4, 2007, conducted by Ronald A. Rasband, of the Presidency of the Seventy.

[6] After construction was completed, a public open house was held April 9 to 24, 2010, prior to its dedication on May 2, 2010, by church president Thomas S.

[5] These elements are designed to provide a tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site.

The design uses symbolic elements representing British Columbia, to provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function.

Symbolism is important to church members and include the use of British Columbia’s provincial flower, the Pacific dogwood, in decorative elements throughout the temple.

[4] Another example of symbolism is the color palette; the green, light blue, and gold represent “the natural colors in the sea, sky, and evergreens of the Pacific Northwest.”[7] The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each serving for a term of three years.