A significant mixed-use project is being proposed for the South Vedder area, and it’s set to bring a fresh wave of residential and commercial spaces to the community. Castillo Developments Inc. has submitted plans to rezone and develop several properties along Vedder Road, Alma Avenue, and Viola Street to create a vibrant new neighbourhood hub. Here’s what you need to know:

Project Overview

The proposal involves a comprehensive rezoning to create a new CD-27 (Comprehensive Development-27) Zone, which will allow for the construction of two 6-storey buildings. These buildings will feature commercial spaces on the ground floor facing Vedder Road, perfect for retail shops, cafés, or small businesses, with residential apartments above. An additional apartment building is planned to front Viola Street, offering more residential options.

Key Features of the Development

• 218 Residential Units: The project includes a variety of unit types, with a focus on smaller apartments suitable for singles, couples, and small families. 164 of these units will be small-unit apartments, catering to the increasing demand for more compact, affordable housing.
• Extensive Parking Facilities: A shared 2-level underground parkade will provide a total of 382 parking spaces, including 50 for visitors. This is more than enough to meet the city’s requirements and should alleviate concerns about parking congestion.
• Public Accessibility: The development includes a private lane that will connect the site internally, allowing for smoother traffic flow and ensuring public access through a registered right-of-way.
• Community Investment: As part of their commitment to the neighbourhood, Castillo Developments will contribute $90,000 towards a future neighbourhood park in the area, enhancing local amenities for all residents.

Alignment with the South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan

This proposal fits seamlessly into the South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan, which envisions a dynamic mix of commercial and residential spaces to create a lively urban environment. The plan aims to balance new growth with the existing community character, promoting pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and accessible public spaces. By combining commercial units along Vedder Road with residential apartments, this project is set to support the plan’s vision of a thriving, connected community.

Infrastructure Upgrades

To support the development, several infrastructure improvements are planned, including:

• Road widening and enhancements to support on-street parking.
• New sidewalks and LED street lighting to improve pedestrian safety and walkability.
• Installation of curbs and gutters along Vedder Road to enhance drainage and street aesthetics.

Next Steps

For this project to move forward, the Official Community Plan (OCP) needs to be amended. This includes changing the designation of parts of the site from “South Vedder Commercial Core” to “Apartment Residential.” A public hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2024, where community members can share their thoughts on the proposed development.

Why It Matters

This development is a significant step towards realizing the goals of the South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan. It promises to deliver a blend of new housing options and commercial opportunities, enhancing the vibrancy of the area and creating a more connected community space. If approved, it will be a transformative addition to South Vedder, providing a modern, walkable neighbourhood that meets the diverse needs of Chilliwack residents.