City of Chilliwack confirms no fines issued over unpermitted gurdwara on Keith Wilson Road

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CHILLIWACK — The City of Chilliwack’s communications department has confirmed no fines have been issued after an unpermitted gurdwara was set up on property zoned as ag land on Keith Wilson Road near Unsworth Elementary.

In an email to Fraser Valley Today, the city acknowledged that it is aware of bylaw complaints connected to the property at 44233 Keith Wilson Road where Shiri Guru Granth Sahbit Ji Society is operating Gurdwara Sahib Chilliwack.

“The City has contacted the property owners regarding the complaints and bringing the property into compliance,” the City of Chilliwack wrote. “The property owners have been advised that, should compliance not be achieved, the City will issue violation tickets, as outlined in the City’s Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy.”

The City of Chilliwack also issued a business license to the property in question.

“Although the property is within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), a home-based business up to 100m² in floor area is permitted by both the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) under the ALR Use Regulations and the City of Chilliwack Zoning Bylaw,” the city said. “As such, a business licence was issued in accordance with all applicable regulations for a Cottage Industry type home-based business for instruction in language for no more than 10 persons at one time. As part of the bylaw complaint process, staff will investigate whether the uses on the property comply with the approved and issued business licence.”

A neighbour on Unsworth Road, Michael Hooyenga, said multiple large gatherings have taken place at the site, resulting in extensive on-street parking along Keith Wilson Road, including in the designated bike lane. Hooyenga told Fraser Valley Today in an email that nearby residents have raised concerns about safety, and noise. He says police were called to attend a Diwali celebration due to parking violations and noise complaints.

He also alleges city officials have acknowledged that the property is in breach of its business license and has received multiple complaints from neighbours resulting in the planning, building, and bylaw departments becoming involved.

“However, enforcement has been slow to react and the property continues to expand. The city has indicated that fines are typically not issued until several formal notices have been sent, which could allow unpermitted construction to be completed before meaningful action is taken,” Hooyenga wrote in an email.

As mentioned, the City of Chilliwack says no fines have been issued against the property owner. Instead, staff say they’re trying to bring the property into compliance.