Image: City of Chilliwack via Station One Architects / Renderings as presented at Tuesday's city council meetings depict a new restaurant on Wellington Avenue in downtown Chilliwack. Chilliwack council has approved the issuance of a development permit that would see the construction of a restaurant next to Red Chillies Sports Bar in the 45900 block of Wellington Avenue in downtown Chilliwack. Item 7.5 on Tuesday's council agenda asked councillors to approve the form and character of exterior alterations to two existing commercial buildings on Wellington Avenue, one of which is the home of the former Gord-Ray Men's Wear retail store.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

New restaurant coming to Chilliwack

Chilliwack council OK’s development permit for new restaurant in downtown Chilliwack

Feb 22, 2024 | 6:16 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack council has approved the issuance of a development permit that would see the construction of a restaurant next to Red Chillies Sports Bar in the 45900 block of Wellington Avenue in downtown Chilliwack.

Item 7.5 on Tuesday’s council agenda asked councillors to approve the form and character of exterior alterations to two existing commercial buildings on Wellington Avenue, one of which is the home of the former Gord-Ray Men’s Wear retail store.

The proposal calls for additions to the front of both buildings, and the addition of a second-storey mezzanine at the north end of the building at 45957 Wellington; demolition of a portion of the north end of the building at 45951 Wellington Avenue (adjacent to The Veganist at 45949 Wellington Ave.) to accommodate a new paved area; the addition of an outdoor patio and private lane through 45963 Wellington with an archway that mirrors those at nearby District 1881; and a security gate in front of the Skelton building.

The outdoor patio slated for 45963 Wellington is next door to Red Chillies Sports Bar at 45975 Wellington.

Image: City of Chilliwack / A map of downtown Chilliwack showing three properties outlined in red where a restaurant is slated to be built, after Chilliwack council approved a development permit for properties at 45951, 45957 and 45963 Wellington.

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According to a staff report from city planner Adam Jones, the proposed development significantly aligns with the city’s design parameters for downtown form and character.

Before an official vote was held to approve the development permit, two councillors extolled the virtues of the project.

“It’s another great project for downtown,” Councillor Nicole Read said. “It brings an opportunity to enhance Wellington Avenue and all the great work that’s happened through District 1881, bringing it down Wellington and starting to enhance the economic opportunities through Wellington, Mill [Street] and the surrounding areas, so [I’m] very happy to see this project coming forward.”

Councillor Chris Kloot echoed Read’s sentiments by saying, “Last week this came before the Design Review Advisory Committee. This certainly was a welcome addition to what we’re seeing in the downtown area. I personally find where the development community is looking at repurposing our heritage buildings that may be showing their wear and tear and breathing new life into them, is certainly a welcome step for us as a community, and for the area with so much deep history. Really happy to see this move forward, and really, another dining option in our downtown will certainly create some life at all hours of the day. So, that’s really important as well.”