Image: City of Chilliwack / Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove (centre) is pictured with councillors.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Mayor Popove welcomes amusement centre

Chilliwack mayor welcomes plannned amusement centre following unanimous vote

Dec 4, 2025 | 12:09 PM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack councillors unanimously approved a temporary use permit at their meeting this past week for a proposed amusement centre just off Evans Road that would house a bowling alley, arcade, axe throwing, and more.

Taranjit Pabla submitted an application to the City of Chilliwack to operate an amusement centre in units 101 and 102 at 44981 Commercial Court in Chilliwack. Because the property is zoned CD-2 (Comprehensive Development), a temporary use permit needed to be approved by Chilliwack City Council.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Location of planned amusement centre.

The applicant envisions an amusement centre that would offer virtual reality stations, axe throwing, pool tables, arcade games, a bowling alley, a snack bar on the first floor and a restaurant with a bar on the mezzanine.

Mayor Ken Popove said Thursday morning (Dec. 4) on 89.5 JR Country that the amusement centre containing a bowling alley and other amenities is a welcome addition to Chilliwack.

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“That’s dearly needed, I know our bowling alley (Chillibowl Lanes at 45916 Wellington Avenue) is a little tired. [This is good] for families, kids, youth, and restaurants for us older folks. He (Taranjit Pabla) has bitten off a lot. I actually talked to him in chambers after we voted on it. He’s excited to get going on this. He says there’s a real need. I believe it.”

When asked by JR Morning host Glen Slingerland how the temporary permit process works, Popove said, “Because it’s not zoned properly, he was smart to do this. It’s kind of a trial. He’s gonna be dumping a lot of money into this place to get it up and running. In three years, years he can apply for a rezoning and expand his business or what have you. It’s a good place, it’s kind of out of the way, there’s a lot of parking. I wish him luck.”

The proposed hours of operation are between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week, though these hours could be expanded until 11 p.m. on busier days like Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Peak hours are expected to be outside of working hours, reducing demand for parking on the property where there are nearby industrial businesses.

“The addition of an amusement centre in this location offers a unique and engaging activity for members of the community, including youth, families, and community groups, and will function similarly to an indoor recreation use, which is already permitted in the zone,” City of Chilliwack employee Sean Roufosse wrote in his staff report. “Ultimately, the proposal is expected to expand the available entertainment options within the City, making it a more attractive destination for visitors and current residents, while providing a community-oriented social outlet for youth and young adults. As such, the use is considered supportable in this instance.”