Update (April 22, 2025):
Correspondence has been received from the property owner requesting to cancel the current application. City staff have requested that application RZ001800 be removed from the April 22, 2025, council meeting agenda. The proposal will be rescheduled for discussion at a future date.
A new affordable housing project at 46105 Princess Avenue in downtown Chilliwack is heading to council on Tuesday, with proposed changes to the R9 Affordable Rental Housing Zone that would allow for increased density and reduced parking. The six-storey building (5 over 1), led by non-profit provider Lookout Housing, would include 75 affordable rental apartments. If approved, the changes would mark a further step in enabling housing projects that target Chilliwack’s most pressing housing needs.
The proposed housing breakdown is structured to serve a wide spectrum of household income levels, reflecting the city's goal of creating inclusive communities. The 75-unit building is split into three affordability categories:
By incorporating this tiered approach, the development addresses both the ongoing affordability crisis and the complex housing needs in the downtown area. The project is also in alignment with Chilliwack’s Housing Needs Report, Housing Needs of Aging Adults Study, and the Homelessness Action Plan, all of which highlight a need for more deeply affordable options.
Situated in Chilliwack Proper, the project benefits from a central location with close proximity to essential amenities. Ruth and Naomi's Mission—an established provider of meals, outreach, and transitional housing—is nearby, though this project is a separate initiative. Just a few blocks away, District 1881 continues to grow as a cultural and commercial hub, bringing more foot traffic and vibrancy to the area.
The site is also close to frequent transit routes, parks, and commercial services, helping to reduce transportation barriers for future residents. The planning report notes that the downtown core is a key location for affordable housing, as it supports walkability and access to a range of services that are especially important for low-income households and at-risk populations.
The proposed amendments would reduce the site-specific parking requirement from 51 to 49 spaces. According to the applicant, the original number could not be accommodated after accounting for updated design elements such as stormwater management, mechanical space, and building code requirements. With many future residents expected to rely on transit or active transportation, the planning department views the reduction as reasonable.
In addition to vehicle parking, the project will include 95 bicycle parking spaces—one of the largest bike parking provisions for any residential building in Chilliwack to date. These facilities are expected to serve both residents and visitors.
The proposal also includes a modest increase in density from 325 to 365 units per hectare. While this equates to five additional units (raising the total from 70 to 75), the physical footprint of the building remains unchanged. The applicant made adjustments to the internal layout of the five-storey structure to accommodate the additional units without increasing height or massing.
The applicant and future operator of the proposed building is Lookout Housing and Health Society, a non-profit organization that has been active in British Columbia for over 50 years. With a mandate to provide housing and support services to those who are vulnerable or at risk of homelessness, Lookout operates a range of facilities across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Their experience includes supportive housing, emergency shelters, transitional housing, and outreach programs.
According to the staff report, Lookout Housing’s involvement is intended to ensure that the Princess Avenue project is not only a building with affordable rents, but also a facility that offers long-term stability and connection to services for its residents. Their track record as a non-profit operator is one of the factors considered in evaluating the overall suitability of the proposed development.
The proposed changes are scheduled to go before Chilliwack City Council on April 22, 2025. Council will consider the amendments to the R9 zone, which, if approved, would apply not only to this development but to future proposals under the same zone. However, any subsequent projects would still be subject to site-specific review and development permit approvals.
While the staff report supports the application, council will have the final say. A decision is expected following discussion during Tuesday’s meeting, and the outcome may influence how similar projects are considered in the future.
