Demolition permits have been issued for 45784 and 45778 Wellington Ave, two vacant properties on a key downtown corner. This marks the first visible step in the transformation of a 46,920-square-foot development site at Wellington Avenue and Mary Street. Long seen as underutilized, this block is now set to play a significant role in Chilliwack’s urban renewal, with the potential for new housing and community spaces that align with the city’s vision for a denser, more vibrant downtown core.
These properties were marketed as part of a land assembly by London Pacific, along with adjacent lots. Together, they form a substantial 46,920-square-foot site—nearly 1.1 acres—with zoning that supports high-density development. The site is located at the heart of downtown, offering walking access to schools, parks, transit, and other amenities. London Pacific’s listing highlighted the area’s Residential 3/3a zoning, which allows developers to aim for mid-to-high-rise buildings in exchange for providing community benefits like affordable housing.
Interestingly, there may still be potential for additional combinations. The block includes five lots in total, meaning future land assemblies could expand the development footprint even further. This kind of flexibility makes the site especially attractive for projects that align with the city’s urban growth strategy.
The permits, issued on January 2, are for the two remaining homes on the property, which have been vacant for some time. Clearing these lots is a key step forward in preparing the site for development. Whitetail Homes Ltd., a contractor known for their work in the area, is handling the demolition.
Whitetail Homes is no stranger to Wellington Avenue. Just next door, at 45754 Wellington, they’re building a five-storey, 54-unit rental building, which is expected to be completed by spring 2025. With their existing project wrapping up soon, Whitetail could seamlessly transition to work on a new project here, continuing their investment in Chilliwack’s downtown revitalization.
The lots at 45784 and 45778 Wellington Avenue are zoned Residential 3a (Res3a) under Chilliwack’s 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP). This zoning includes a density bonus provision, allowing developments to achieve the higher density standards of the Residential 4 designation without requiring a rezoning. In exchange, developers must provide affordable housing, recreational facilities, or other community benefits as outlined in the city’s policies.
This means the site could support up to 450 units per hectare and buildings as tall as 18 storeys, depending on the final design and the amenities offered. For the combined 46,920 square feet of land (approximately 1.08 acres), this could translate to approximately 180 units or more. The flexibility built into the Res3a designation makes it an excellent fit for a mix of mid-rise or high-rise apartment buildings with options for both rentals and ownership.
These properties are located just on the edge of Chilliwack's only designated transit-oriented development area. While this makes them well-situated for walkable, urban housing, they would still need specific approvals to reduce parking requirements. This ensures that any development here balances density with adequate infrastructure for future residents.
By leveraging the density bonus provisions of Res3a, developers can achieve significant urban density while contributing to Chilliwack’s broader housing and community goals—all without the need for rezoning. This makes the site one of the most promising opportunities for growth in the heart of the city.
