Construction to begin soon on $39.9 million Chilliwack housing project for women, children fleeing violence
Proposed rendering of a 59-unit housing project in Chilliwack, subject to change. (Image Credit: City of Chilliwack via BC Housing.)
CHILLIWACK – BC Housing says construction will begin in weeks for a 59-unit housing project in Chilliwack for women and their children fleeing domestic violence.
According to a social media post, the new building will provide 33 temporary second-stage units and 26 long-term units.
BC Housing says the Ann Davis Transition Society will manage the building, which will feature amenity space, a counselling room, multi-purpose rooms, and a large outdoor courtyard and play area.
Occupancy is expected by early 2028.
“Thank you to our partner Ann Davis Transition Society for coming #Together4Housing,” BC Housing wrote online.
According to the text of a 2024 staff report contained within a city council meeting agenda item, safety and wellness will be key design principles embedded into the building. The building will not have any balconies, which will minimize noise concerns from residents. The design has integrated a large interior courtyard at the heart of the project, fully encapsulated by the apartment building, which will make the building itself a natural sound buffer for outdoor gatherings.
Building renderings. (Image Credit: City of Chilliwack via BC Housing.)
As the City of Chilliwack pointed out in a 2024 staff report, the interior amenity spaces are focused around the courtyard, and not on the exterior of the building, further directing any activity and sound that may occur into this internalized zone, and not to the neighbours. The rear outdoor space is smaller, which will minimize the number of people using the space and the noise emanating from those gatherings. The rear gathering space is also lined with fencing and trees, which act as sound buffers. There is no rear access as there is no lane access, and the building will be served by a below-grade parkade.
BC Housing has since released a statement about this project.
“Construction will soon be underway on 59 new transition homes, providing much-needed safe and stable homes for women and their children leaving violence in the Fraser Valley,” a BC Housing spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Fraser Valley Today. “Priority will be given to Fraser Valley residents, but individuals throughout the province are eligible. Site work begins in the coming weeks, and construction is expected to be completed in early 2028. The Province, through BC Housing, is providing approximately $39.9 million through the Women’s Transition Housing Fund.”