Earlier today, Chilliwack City Council approved a series of variances needed to move forward with a new mixed-use development downtown. The project, located at the corner of Gore Avenue, Princess Avenue, and Young Road, was rezoned earlier this year to allow for a six-story building with 82 residential units, ground-floor commercial space, and a five-story parkade.
This approval means the developer, OTG Developments, can now move ahead with the project, though it required some adjustments to zoning rules to make it work.
The project faced a few challenges due to the site’s shape and the scope of the proposed development. To address these, Council approved several variances.
For example, the parkade will be slightly taller than the usual limit—just under two meters higher—so it can fit an elevator shaft and ramps. The building itself will also take up a bit more of the lot than zoning typically allows, increasing the coverage from 60% to 66%.
There are also adjustments to how the building sits on the lot. Along Princess Avenue and Young Road, it will be closer to the property lines than normal, with setbacks reduced from 3 meters to 1 meter. This helps create a better street presence, especially for the ground-floor retail spaces, but it also means traditional landscaping won’t fit. Instead, the developer plans to use planters to add greenery along the street.
Parking access is another key detail. The parkade will sit at the back of the site, with vehicle access off the laneway rather than from the main roads. This keeps the building’s focus on pedestrians and storefronts, which is in line with the city’s goals for a walkable downtown.
The developer also requested fewer loading bays than typically required—one instead of two—but ensured it will be larger than average to handle both residential and commercial needs. And instead of a centralized storage area, each residential unit will have its own built-in storage locker, making it more secure and accessible for residents.
One of the standout features of this development is the shared rooftop amenity space. It includes a 490-square-meter outdoor common area and an additional 251-square-meter indoor space, providing over 740 square meters of amenities for residents.
The outdoor space is designed to serve as a community hub for the building’s tenants, with areas for relaxing, socializing, or hosting small gatherings. It’s expected to feature landscaping elements and seating areas that make the most of the views and fresh air. Meanwhile, the indoor amenity space will likely include multi-use rooms, perfect for meetings, group activities, or quiet work-from-home options.
Incorporating this kind of rooftop space is increasingly common in urban developments and adds significant value for residents. It provides opportunities for connection and leisure, even in a high-density setting, making the building more than just a place to live.
The project is designed to fit into Chilliwack’s evolving downtown, with a mix of historic and modern elements. The lower levels of the building will feature brick to tie into the area’s character, while the upper floors transition to a more contemporary look with neutral-toned panels.
The building’s placement is also carefully considered. By fronting Princess Avenue and Young Road, the design creates an active, street-facing presence with large storefront windows and entrances that connect directly to the sidewalk. All parking is tucked away at the rear of the property, out of sight from the main streets, which prioritizes walkability and makes the streetscape more inviting for pedestrians.
This approach aligns with the city’s vision for a more livable and walkable downtown, where mixed-use developments bring people closer to shops, services, and community spaces.
OTG Developments, the company behind the project, has been working on developments like this since 2007. They specialize in navigating the complex processes involved in property development, from working with government agencies to engaging with the public. Their goal is to take ideas and turn them into finished projects, and this downtown development is one more step toward realizing Chilliwack’s urban potential.
