Chilliwack council sets public hearing for apt. complex purchased by RAN for women’s supportive housing
CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack councillors have given first and second reading, but not final approval, for a rezoning application of a four-unit apartment complex on Maple Avenue that was purchased by Ruth and Naomi’s for a women’s supportive housing complex.
According to a staff report from City of Chilliwack senior planner Adam Roberts, Ruth and Naomi’s Mission (RAN) purchased the property at 46209 Maple Avenue in early 2024 and started interior renovations of the building soon after. In August 2024, however, the City of Chilliwack received a bylaw complaint that construction was occurring within the building without the benefit of a building permit. Once an inspection of the property was completed by a building inspector, a stop work order was posted. Since that time, the applicant has been working with city staff to ensure necessary approvals are in place prior to completing interior renovations to convert the building to a supportive housing facility.
Rezoning and development variance permit applications have been submitted to the City of Chilliwack. Ruth and Naomi’s hasn’t submitted a building permit application but plans to once all necessary drawings are completed. Pursuant to its supportive housing plan, Ruth and Naomi’s wants to redesignate 46209 Maple Avenue from an R5 zone to an R8 (supportive housing) to legally convert the existing four-unit apartment to a 12-unit supportive housing facility that will be overseen and operated by RAN.
The city says the development will be part of a substance use recovery program for women and will include a total of 15 beds in 12 separate units, with on-site support services, 24/7 staff, and a strict no-drug policy. The applicant has volunteered to enter into a housing agreement with the City of the Chilliwack around the time of a building permit application that limits the future use of the building to substance use recovery services only. As such, a shelter for people experiencing homelessness will not be permitted on site.
