Re-zoning near Vedder Road to bring 200 housing units to Chilliwack ‘supportable,’ say city planners

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CHILLIWACK — A development seeking to bring approximately 200 housing units to the area around Vedder and Keith Wilson roads appears to be moving forward, with City of Chilliwack planners set to reveal the latest site design at the next council session.

The update for city politicians on Tuesday will propose rezoning to facilitate the construction of a mixed-use commercial and residential space, which is considered “supportable” since the design aligns with the existing South Vedder neighbourhood redevelopment plan.

The project by Castillo Developments Incorporated covers seven properties just north of Vedder Mountain Veterinary Clinic, a site formerly home to businesses including Villa Hairstyles and Vedder Mountain Field Supplies.

City staff say the proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment and creation of a new Comprehensive Development Zone will bring “much-needed” small apartment units and three-bedroom apartments—housing types identified as gaps in the city’s existing stock, as outlined in a housing needs report.

“The required urban frontage improvements, including road widening, sidewalk installation, and lane paving, will contribute to a safe and inviting pedestrian environment,” said a mid-September report from the planning department.

“The proposed redevelopment meets the intent of the Design Guidelines for Development Permit Area No. 5 through the use of generous pedestrian connections, building articulation, and varied design features that are expected to create an appealing streetscape.”

In August, Castillo requested that the 2040 OCP designation of “South Vedder Commercial Core” be amended to “Apartment Residential” for 5471 Viola Street, 45651 Alma Avenue, and portions of 5446 and 5456 Vedder Road.

They also proposed that all subject properties be re-zoned from CS1 (service commercial), C2 (local commercial), and R1-A (urban residential) to a new CD-27 (Comprehensive Development-27) zone.

The application calls for two six-storey buildings housing 218 apartment-style units, situated atop a shared two-level underground parkade.

Approximately 380 parking spaces, including 50 visitor spaces, will be developed, along with provisions for nearly three dozen trees and the creation of a future neighbourhood park.