The site of the Sardis Secondary addition announced by the Province of BC in April 2024.
Chilliwack’s September 2024 Building Permit Report shows that institutional growth received a significant boost, driven by permits approved for the expansion of Sardis Secondary School. However, housing development remains well below provincial targets, with only 12 new units added for the second consecutive month.
For the second month in a row, only 12 new housing units permits were issued in September, far below the required 75 units per month needed to meet provincial housing goals. Even more concerning, none of these units came from duplexes, townhouses, or apartments, crucial forms of higher-density housing that are key to addressing the “missing middle.” The report indicates only one new secondary suite, underlining the challenge Chilliwack faces in delivering diverse housing options.
Commercial development continues to underperform when compared to recent historical values. No new commercial building permits were issued in September, and this year’s commercial construction value is significantly behind the lowest recent figure of $23,309,146 from 2021, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a stark reminder of the slow recovery in this sector.
On a more positive note, institutional growth saw a significant boost, thanks to the approval of a two-storey addition to Sardis Secondary School, funded by the provincial government. With Chilliwack’s rapid population growth, the Province is investing up to $40 million to add 400 new seats, increasing the school’s capacity from 1,200 to 1,600 students. This project also aligns with the Province’s commitment to climate-friendly construction, utilizing mass timber to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
The ongoing investment in educational infrastructure, supported by the provincial government, demonstrates a clear focus on accommodating community growth. However, without a significant increase in new housing units, meeting the provincial targets will remain a challenge, especially as housing demand continues to outpace supply.
