Image: City of Chilliwack / Tyson Road as shown in this aerial photo from the City of Chilliwack, with multi-use pathways on both sides of the road.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Federal funding

Federal funding ushers in several completed projects in Chilliwack, but not everyone’s celebrating

Aug 25, 2025 | 1:08 PM

CHILLIWACK — The City of Chilliwack says multiple road infrastructure projects in Chilliwack were completed last year thanks to federal funding, but online critics aren’t exactly in the mood to celebrate by popping champagne corks.

The city posted to social media Monday (August 25) that a $3.69 million federal allocation from the Canada Community-Building Fund enabled several projects to finish, including 16.5 kilometres of city roads and nearly 2 kms of new multi-use pathways.

The largest portion of this funding, $3.49 million, was utilized towards repaving and rehabilitating 16.5 kilometres of city roads in 12 locations. Roads that received asphalt rehabilitation consisted of Uplands Road, Nowell Street, Unsworth Road, Prairie Avenue, Reece Avenue, Extrom Road, and more. The remaining funding was used to conduct capacity-building studies.

“As Chilliwack continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, it’s vital that we maintain and develop infrastructure to support ongoing growth and connect neighbourhoods,” said Mayor Ken Popove. “Last year, we made significant transportation infrastructure improvements, thanks in part to the support of the Government of Canada and the Union of BC Municipalities through the Canada Community-Building Fund.”

A picture attached to the social media announcement depicting multi-use paths on both sides of Tyson Road north of South Sumas Road didn’t generate widespread approval on Facebook.

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“The bike lanes, only work for people who have secured locations upon arrival. I love the bike lanes, but can only go for a round trip bike ride occasionally,” Kimberly McIntosh wrote.

Another Facebook commenter, Jenn Lauren, said, “So awesome, now the roads are more narrow. They’re doing the same on our street and still adding street parking. Talk about unsafe and stupid. Thanks City of Chilliwack for always doing the most.”

The city completed improvements on Knight Road last year and received similar negative feedback.

“So dumb, we needed more lanes, not extra wide sidewalks on both sides that no body ever uses. Fail!” Ryan Thompson wrote.

Silver Thompson preferred older Chilliwack. “I’d rather have old roads and a safe community. Oh and do something like a community rat infestation program!! I’ve killed over 20 rats in my backyard in just the first month!!”

The city says the Canada Community-Building Fund provides predictable, long-term and stable funding to local governments for investment in infrastructure and capacity-building projects. This program is funded by the government of Canada and administered in British Columbia by the Union of BC Municipalities.