Chilliwack City Council to consider funding request to re-establish restorative justice program

CHILLIWACK – Chilliwack City Council is set to consider a funding request at its meeting today that would seek to re-establish and operate a restorative justice program in Chilliwack.

According to item 7.4 on today’s council agenda, the Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association is seeking $86,373 in Community Development Initiatives Fund (CDIF) funding from the City of Chilliwack over 15 months, to revive a restorative justice strategy within Chilliwack.

A staff report from Karen Stanton, director of public safety and social development for the City of Chilliwack, indicates the Chilliwack Restorative Justice Association was dissolved in fall 2025. Once it was disbanded, staff from the City of Chilliwack explored a range of options to re-establish restorative justice services in Chilliwack, as restorative justice has been identified as a priority in both the Chilliwack Community Safety Plan and the UFVRD RCMP Strategic Plan. Stanton’s report indicates restorative justice has been recognized as a valuable community service.

In her report, Stanton said restorative justice programs foster a community-based, victim-centered approach, as an alternative to traditional court processes by promoting accountability, repairing harm, and supporting meaningful resolution for those affected by crime. Through facilitated dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, eligible incidents can be remediated and resolved outside the formal justice system, helping to reduce recidivism and mitigate the long-term impacts that criminal records can have on individuals and families.