Image: Google Maps screenshot / A residential neighbourhood on Stevenson Road is shown. Chilliwack City Council will be asked to vote on the continued operation of a commercial dog breeding kennel in the 45100 block of Stevenson Road at its meeting on Tuesday, January 10. Since the kennel is in a residential area, a temporary use permit would be need to extended by council.
Residential dog breeder

Council to vote on temporary use permit for Stevenson Rd. commercial dog breeding kennel

Jan 7, 2023 | 9:41 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack City Council members will be asked to review and approve the continued operation of a commercial dog breeding kennel in a residential neighbourhood in Sardis at its meeting this coming Tuesday evening, January 10.

Agenda item 13.1 is an action item in which council members will be asked to review and vote on a temporary use permit for the ongoing operation of a commercial dog breeding kennel within an urban residential zone in the 45100 block of Stevenson Road, just east of Evans Road.

City staff are recommending that council approve the issuance of a temporary use permit for the commercial dog breeding kennel, which excludes puppies, for a maximum of 6 adult dogs.

The residence containing the dog breeding kennel backs onto a massive parcel of farm land exceeding 45 acres, meaning there are no neighbours directly north of the facility.

In a staff report prepared by Jennifer Hahn, acting corporate officer for the City of Chilliwack, the matter has already been to a public information meeting. Staff did not allude to any complaints from neighbours in the staff report.

Council members can choose from one of four options, including approving the permit as presented, approving the permit with amendments, denying the application, or referring the application back to staff.

Just under four years ago, a public hearing was held involving the operation of the same commercial dog breeding kennel in the 45100 block of Stevenson Road. At that meeting on March 5, 2019, the applicant, Mackenzie Heggs, sought permission for a maximum of three adult dogs, excluding puppies.

Because the commercial use was not permitted within a single-family residential zone, city staff facilitated a temporary use permit.

According to minutes from the meeting on March 5, 2019, a consultation package containing five signatures of support was received from Mike, Sherry and Mackenzie Heggs.

Council ultimately approved the temporary use permit, with an amendment that stated the application would be reviewed in six months and staff would report back to council outlining the impact, if any, on the neighbourhood.