After being rejected just last year, a townhouse development proposal for 6538 and 6548 Fern Street has finally received approval from the Chilliwack City Council. The decision comes after significant changes to provincial housing policies and renewed public consultation, leading to increased support for the project.
In September 2023, the proposal for an 11-unit townhouse complex on these two lots was met with strong community opposition and was denied with a decisive 5 to 1 vote. Concerns ranged from increased traffic and safety issues to the impact on neighbourhood character. A petition signed by 58 residents highlighted the lack of sidewalks and street lighting, as well as the stress of additional density on the already busy cul-de-sac.
The developer, Keyplan Development Management, resubmitted the proposal in 2024, armed with the knowledge that provincial policies now allow up to 8 units on these properties without requiring rezoning. Under the new Small Scale Multiple Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation, adding three more units with better design and community features was seen as a relatively modest increase.
This time around, public support for the project was noticeably stronger, as many residents have become more aware of the zoning rules and the city’s urgent need for more housing. Matt Wealick, a local supporter, summed up the sentiment: “We are in a housing crisis where supply is minimal, and prices will soon be rising again if we don’t start increasing the supply.”
Support for the project wasn’t limited to just a few voices. Jody Wall emphasized the need to keep housing affordable and accessible, stating, “Building these townhouses is crucial to keep our community accessible for everyone.”
Similarly, Paul Larsen highlighted the efficient use of land, noting, “Replacing 2 family homes with 11 townhouses means more families can find homes here without expanding the city’s footprint.” Their support reflects a broader understanding that this type of development is necessary to address the growing housing demand in Chilliwack.
With the SSMUH rules making it clear that an 8-unit development could proceed without council approval, the addition of three extra units was considered a reasonable compromise. The properties are also ideally situated next to Sardis Secondary School and Fern Park, which make them well-suited for increased density.
While community concerns around traffic and safety haven’t gone away, the broader context of the housing crisis has shifted the conversation. Many residents, now more informed about the nuances of local and provincial housing policies, recognized the need for projects like this to help address affordability and availability issues in Chilliwack.
With this approval, Fern Street is set to welcome 11 new townhouses, adding more housing options close to schools and parks. As the city continues to grow, it’s clear that balancing development with community needs will remain a central challenge – one that Chilliwack, like many cities, must navigate carefully.
