The City of Chilliwack Council voted to reject a rezoning application (RZ001450) that would have allowed the construction of a 74-unit apartment building at the intersection of Yale Road and Carleton Street. The proposal, submitted by Rajinder Warraich of Flat Architecture, sought to rezone three properties from R1-A (Urban Residential) to R5 (Low Rise Apartment) to accommodate the development.

During the council meeting, opinions were divided among councilors, reflecting the broader community's concerns and the future vision for urban development in the area.

Councilor Jeff Shields opposed the rezoning, citing the building's size as out of scale with the neighbourhood's character. "It's just too large for that particular area," Shields stated, echoing the sentiments of local residents who had voiced concerns about the impact on the community’s aesthetic and infrastructure.

Councilor Chris Kloot supported this view, noting the significant public feedback that suggested the area would be better suited for row housing rather than a large apartment complex. Kloot expressed his intention to back Councilor Shields in opposing the development.

Conversely, Councilor Harv Westeringh advocated for the rezoning, emphasizing that the proposal aligned with the 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP), which envisions increased density, including apartments, along the Yale Road corridor. Westeringh highlighted the need to adhere to the long-term planning strategies laid out in the OCP.

Councilor Nicole Read shared that while she acknowledged neighbourhood concerns, she also believed in the importance of following the OCP's guidance for urban growth. She inquired about the proximity of the recently approved Ann Davis Society buildings on Yale Road, to which Mayor Ken Popove responded, confirming that while they were in the general area, they were not in immediate proximity to the proposed site. Read ultimately supported the project, aligning with the OCP’s goals.

Mayor Ken Popove, however, joined the opposition, sharing his personal connection to the area and expressing doubts about the project’s suitability. "The building is much too large," he stated, underscoring the shared concern that the development would not fit well within the existing neighbourhood context.

The council's decision to reject the rezoning application was met with relief by many local residents, who had actively opposed the development. In letters to the council, residents expressed concerns about the potential loss of neighbourhood character, increased traffic, parking challenges, and safety issues, particularly around the nearby Little Mountain Elementary School. Several correspondences also raised issues regarding the handling of public engagement by the developer, with some residents claiming their opposition had been misrepresented.

As the city continues to grow, this decision reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing the need for increased housing with the preservation of community identity and resident concerns. The council's decision today underscores its commitment to thoughtful, community-focused urban development.