Image: Station One Architects via City of Chilliwack / Renderings as presented at a February 2024 Chilliwack City Council meeting depict a new restaurant on Wellington Avenue in downtown Chilliwack. Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, a private company that strives to help create economic growth in Chilliwack, says it is pleased to welcome a new Italian restaurant to the former home of Gord Ray/Skelton Men's Wear buildings on Wellington Avenue in downtown Chilliwack.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Downtown Chilliwack

CEPCO pleased to welcome elegant new restaurant to downtown Chilliwack

Oct 9, 2024 | 10:26 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, a private company that strives to help create economic growth in Chilliwack, says it is pleased to welcome a new Italian restaurant to the former home of Gord Ray/Skelton Men’s Wear on Wellington Avenue in downtown Chilliwack.

CEPCO posted to social media this week that it is delighted to welcome Amato Trattoria to 45949 Wellington Avenue, near Five Corners. The restaurant is the newest enterprise of Raffaele Aiello, the owner of Earls Kitchen + Bar, Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar, and District Bar in Garrison Crossing, all in Chilliwack.

“Amato Trattoria is an Italian neighbourhood eatery that will celebrate the timeless traditions of Southern Italy by offering fresh, simple pastas and authentic dishes that honor old-world roots,” CEPCO wrote. “With its relaxing atmosphere, Amato will take you back to a simpler time where the pleasures of food and company were at the heart of life.”

The historic buildings are undergoing renovations and restorations to allow Aiello and his team time to transform the interior space into a high-quality dining and entertainment venue.

“Opening in 2025, Amato Trattoria represents another positive step forward in the ongoing revitalization of downtown Chilliwack,” CEPCO wrote.

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In February 2024, Chilliwack council approved the issuance of a development permit for this restaurant. Councillors had been asked 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 former home of 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.

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.”