Image: Tony Gore

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Renovation

New tenants ready to occupy former Ukrainian church in Chilliwack after Gore Brothers restore vintage building

Aug 26, 2025 | 12:24 PM

CHILLIWACK — A new tenant is set to occupy a former Ukrainian church in Chilliwack that at one point was facing demolition before a Chilliwack company led by three brothers stepped in to save it.

Longtime Chilliwack resident Tony Gore of the Gore Brothers construction firm tells Fraser Valley Today that his company stepped in just before St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church was going to be demolished earlier this year.

Tony and his family members became familiar with the vintage church during their childhood. He even did yard work as a kid near the church, located at Victor Street and Cleveland Avenue.

“We grew up on Fairfield Island and over the years, we often passed by the old church on our way through the neighbourhood,” said Gore, a father of two. “As a kid, I used to mow lawns nearby and remember admiring the church even then. Its charm and character always stood out to me.”

Over time, the church fell into disrepair for various reasons. The church had been set to close before Tony and his family purchased it just in time.

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“Fast forward 38 years and the opportunity came to purchase it, just in time to save it from the wrecking ball,” Gore said. “It felt like fate, as if it was always meant to be.”

Image: Tony Gore / The outside of Hope City Chilliwack.

Gore Brothers has been an integral part in neighbourhoods like Garrison and River’s Edge and countless other developments across Chilliwack, and has supported multiple little library projects throughout Chilliwack as well as animal welfare initiatives.

With the church now looking vibrant and full of life, Hope City Chilliwack is poised to hold a hold a dedication service on Sunday, September 3 at 7 p.m. before it holds regular worship services every Sunday at 8:45 a.m.

Image: Tony Gore / Exterior of Hope City Chilliwack.

“The Hope City Church group is outstanding,” Gore said. “They are full of energy, positivity and vision. I have no doubt they will thrive in this location breathing life back into the building.”

Image: Tony Gore / The renovated kitchen inside Hope City Chilliwack.