Main Street in downtown Chilliwack. (Image Credit: Google Maps.)
Public works project

City of Chilliwack could spend millions to rebuild Main Street in downtown core

Apr 9, 2026 | 9:48 AM

CHILLIWACK – The City of Chilliwack intends to move ahead with an extensive plan to rebuild a multi-block section of Main Street in downtown Chilliwack with an estimated price tag of $5.5 million.

According to its website, the City of Chilliwack is seeking expressions of interest from qualified companies to construct what it calls the “Main Street Corridor Rebuild” project on Main Street between Yale Road and Wellington Avenue.

The goal of the request for expressions of interest is to attract and generate submissions from respondents who have expertise in road and municipal utility construction, particularly with storm and water sewer systems, street lighting and traffic signals, sidewalk works, as well as public relations and strategic communication with vested stakeholders.

The rebuild calls for removing or decommissioning of all existing city-owned utilities of water, sanitary and storm sewers systems, street lighting systems and three traffic signals systems nearing their end of life. Construction will include, but not be limited to, complete rebuilds of three signalized intersections along the corridor, concrete curb and gutter; concrete sidewalk including stamped concrete boulevard; new road structure including base, subbase, asphalt paving works, road markings and signage, street trees including tree grates and structural soil; and ornamental street lighting meeting the downtown standard which includes irrigation for hanging baskets.

The city says the project will need extensive planning and phasing to minimize disruption to businesses, customers and residents. Toward that end, there will need to be coordinated traffic control in order to manage and interact with a diverse public spectrum, including persons who may require additional aid or assistance, given the number of high-density residential buildings in the area and a population group that features many seniors.

The city says a dense array of third-party utilities will need to be considered and worked around to include ongoing communications with energy and communication providers during the construction phase.

The city adds that there are several street trees that will need to be protected during construction. In addition to a buffer area, excavation around these trees will need to be done by hand or by hydro-vacuum. Consideration will also need to be extended for backfill techniques to ensure the sustained health of the trees.

The municipality hopes to complete the project by December 31, 2026, listing that deadline as its preferred completion date.

The proposed project is funded by the City of Chilliwack and has an estimated construction budget of $5,500,000.

The bid/tender window for this project closes next Wednesday, April 15 at 3 p.m.