Image: Contributed / Kids play in/near Cumberland Park, a small Sardis park in Chilliwack. The property, owned by the City of Chilliwack, has hit the market with an asking price of $679,900.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Property for sale

Small Sardis park owned by the City of Chilliwack hits the market with asking price of nearly $680,000

May 5, 2025 | 10:44 AM

UPDATE 12:30 P.M. MONDAY: Not only has the City of Chilliwack confirmed that it owns the property at 44692 Cumberland Avenue, and that it is currently for sale, a spokesperson emailed Fraser Valley Today to say the property was purchased in 1991 with the intention of using the space to provide access to a potential nearby park that never materialized.

“In 2020, the City developed a Greenspace Plan, which outlines a solid strategy to ensure Chilliwack provides adequate parkland, greenspace, and outdoor recreational facilities for current and future residents,” the email stated. “Staff currently follow the Greenspace Plan to guide park development throughout the city.”

It’s not clear whether the city’s decision to sell the property occurred in any open session of a recent city council meeting. There is no mention of 44692 Cumberland Avenue on any recent Chilliwack City Council agenda either.

Original story below from 10:44 a.m. Monday morning:

CHILLIWACK — A single-family sized property owned by the City of Chilliwack that currently functions as a “sub-neighbourhood” park in Sardis has hit the market.

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According to multiple online listings from real estate companies, Cumberland Park, located about 200 metres west of Canterbury Avenue, is currently on sale with an asking price of $679,900. The physical address is 44692 Cumberland Avenue, but does not have a property assessment value on BC Assessment. Google Maps depicts the property in question as Cumberland Park, while a description of the property on the city’s website lists it as a “sub-neighbourhood” park.

“Looking for that one of a kind exceptional lot to build your dream home?” one ad said. “Look no further! This +/-6500 sq. ft. single family property, naturally treed, backing farmland, offering the opportunity for privacy in a premium neighbourhood, ticks all the boxes. On a quiet cul-de-sac in an area of established well maintained homes on a large fully serviced lot makes this the ideal location to build your family’s new custom home.”

Image: Google Maps / An overhead view of Cumberland Park in the 44600 block of Cumberland Avenue.

Fraser Valley Today has obtained a title search that shows the owner as the District of Chilliwack.

A Cumberland Avenue resident told Fraser Valley Today it doesn’t appear there was any wide-ranging consultation about the proposed sale with area residents. Older cedar trees at 44692 Cumberland Avenue will likely end up being cut down if the property is sold and developed.

A detailed tax report obtained by Fraser Valley Today suggests the property appears to have been sold on March 27, 1991 for $49,000. That means the city owned the property for over 34 years before deciding to sell the property.