Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / These two properties in downtown Chilliwack that once housed both a family doctor's office and a chiropractic business are being envisioned for a 5-storey housing complex. According to staff reports from the City of Chilliwack, the properties at 9132 (left) and 9146 Mary Street (right) are being considered for a possible five-storey housing complex featuring an above-ground parkade and four levels containing 32 units, including 25 small-unit apartments. There will be a public hearing on Tuesday, October 24 to consider this housing development. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Former medical buildings may become apts

Former medical office, chiropractic business in downtown Chilliwack eyed for 5-storey housing complex

Oct 16, 2023 | 9:35 AM

CHILLIWACK — Two properties in downtown Chilliwack that once housed both a family doctor’s office and a chiropractic business are being envisioned for a 5-storey housing complex.

According to staff reports from the City of Chilliwack, the properties at 9132 and 9146 Mary Street are being considered for a possible five-storey housing complex featuring an above-ground parkade and four levels containing 32 units, including 25 small-unit apartments.

Newcombe House Family Practice was formerly located at 9132 Mary Street, at the corner of Mary Street and Ontario Avenue. There were approximately four family doctors at that location. Although the physicians no longer practice at that specific location, they still maintain their family practice in Chilliwack.

The property at 9146 Mary Street used to house ChiroMedix, as well as massage therapy and clinical counseling, according to Google Maps images from October 2020. As of July 2022, ChiroMedix, headed up by chiropractor Dr. Spencer Devenney, has relocated to 5925 Garrison Boulevard in Garrison.

A public hearing to discuss the housing development was originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, but did not meet legislative requirements. As a result, it’s been rescheduled for the next Chilliwack city council meeting on Tuesday, October 24.

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The five-storey building would contain 36 off-street parking spaces including six visitor parking spaces, 40 bicycle parking spaces and six trees. The final lot layout must comply with city bylaws and feature urban frontage improvements on Mary Street and Ontario Avenue, including barrier curb, “sidewalk full half-road construction” and LED streetlights.

Image: City of Chilliwack / Proposed rendering of 1932, 1946 Mary Street as shown in city of Chilliwack staff reports.

The applicant, listed only as 1335457 BC Ltd. in city staff reports, is asking the city to rezone the two properties from an RC (commercial conversion) zone to an R6 (mid-rise apartment) zone to facilitate the construction of an apartment building. Once the bylaw has been to a public hearing, city of Chilliwack staff are recommending that council members give third reading and adoption to the bylaw with respect to the properties.

According to a staff report from city planner Adam Roberts, the design of the proposed apartment building and its site are considered “visually appealing and constitutes a high-quality addition to the area.” Roberts noted that the parcels are located close to the downtown core and are in proximity to transit and commercial services.