Image: Castillo Developments Inc. via City of Chilliwack / Development renderings for new residential and mixed-use developments near the 5400 block of Vedder Road, south of Keith Wilson Road, in Chilliwack.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Development in Chilliwack

Chilliwack council approves OCP amendment, motions to facilitate 218-unit development in South Vedder

Oct 9, 2024 | 9:55 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack councillors approved a third reading of an Official Community Plan amendment and related motions at their meeting Tuesday (Oct. 8) that generally pave the way for a 218-unit residential development and mixed-use development along Vedder Road, south of Keith Wilson Road, in Chilliwack.

The applicant, Castillo Developments Incorporated, looks to build two six-storey buildings sited on top of a shared two-level underground parkade featuring 218 residential units, of which 164 units will be small units, along with 382 parking spaces. Commercial development will be construction along Vedder Road on the ground floor of one of the two buildings. Sidewalks will be constructed on Vedder Road, Alma Avenue and Viola Street, and extended around the development.

The development will occupy the properties of 45651 Alma Avenue, 5478 Vedder Road, 5462 Vedder Road, 5456 Vedder Road, and 5446 Vedder Road, and 5471 Viola Street, 5477 Viola Street, and 5487 Viola Street.

Josh Hall, representing the applicant, said although no on-site amenities will be present in the development, the project location is surrounded by community facilities.

Image: City of Chilliwack / Josh Hall, representing the applicant.

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“Our location is one of the most amenity-rich areas in the Fraser Valley, with access to world-class trail systems, parks and other amenities,” Hall said. “In summary, we feel this project has been carefully and thoughtfully designed. It aligns with the South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan; it provides diverse and much needed housing supply to the community, it brings business and commercial services that generate economic development, it’s esthetically pleasing and continues the great tradition of the Garrison area. I’m excited to bring this forth.”

Multiple councillors lauded the project as a welcome addition to the neighbourhood.

“I remember when this came to the Design Review Advisory Committee, we were a little bit awestruck at the quality of the design, but so very much impressed at the level of consultation and your willingness to listen and adapt,” Councillor Mercer said. “We don’t always see that. I think for myself it’ll be a welcome addition to the South Vedder Plan. I remember back in my first term when we actually developed the neighbourhood plan for South Vedder. This is exactly what was contemplated.”

Image: City of Chilliwack / Councillor Bud Mercer welcomed the 218-unit residential development, saying it was exactly what the City of Chilliwack had in mind when the neighbourhood plan for South Vedder was being developed.

Councillor Harv Westeringh echoed Mercer’s comments. “This is exactly what we envisioned with the double down parkade and commercial on the Vedder corridor. It’s nice to see six storeys of apartments as well. It definitely has my support. I wish the applicant success if council decides to approve this.”

Councillor Jason Lum, who recently announced his intention to step down as chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District board, said the development aligns with the city’s housing needs report and hinted that the development’s smaller units could be ideal for students who attend nearby UFV Chilliwack, or for individuals that want to take advantage of the mixed-use nature of the development.

“[It’s a] reputable developer and it’s a nice-looking product,” Lum said.

Hall, representing the applicant, said the City of Chilliwack has recently purchased a parcel of land adjacent to the site that it has planned use for storm detention and community park.

“As we’re not providing any on-site amenities, we’ve agreed to contribute $90,000 to the playground equipment that was identified by the City,” Hall said.