A new four-story apartment building planned for 9547 and 9563 Woodbine Street is set to go before Chilliwack City Council on March 11, 2025. Designed by Luteyn Architecture Ltd., the development includes 78 residential units, an above-ground parkade, and landscaped outdoor spaces. If approved, it will replace two single-family homes, adding more housing options in the downtown area.
The building is designed with an L-shaped layout, helping it fit within the property while creating a more visually appealing design. Of the 78 units, 63 are classified as small apartments. The development will also include 86 parking spaces, meeting the city’s requirements, with 16 spaces reserved for visitors. Outdoor space is a key feature, with 675 square meters of common amenity space—more than what is required by zoning regulations. Additionally, 21 new trees will be planted as part of the landscaping plan.
Since this project falls within a designated infill development area, it requires a development permit to ensure it aligns with the city’s planning and design guidelines.
To move forward, the project requires several exceptions to the city’s zoning rules, known as variances. One of the key requests is to increase the maximum lot coverage from 50% to 56% to accommodate the above-ground parkade. The developer is also asking for smaller setback distances on several sides of the building, including a reduction of the front lot line setback from 6 meters to 5.6 meters and a reduction of the rear setback for balconies from 4.5 meters to 3.1 meters.
The parkade also requires multiple setback reductions, some of which are significant. The most notable is along the rear lot line, where the required 6-meter setback would be reduced to just 0.6 meters. Additionally, the landscaping buffer between the parking area and the public road is proposed to be narrowed from 2 meters to 0.9 meters to make room for a required utility enclosure. Another request involves allowing in-unit storage lockers for seven apartments instead of the standard centralized storage area.
City staff have reviewed the requests and support the variances, stating that the overall design includes enough open space and landscaping to minimize any visual impacts. The Design Review Advisory Committee has also recommended approval, with some conditions. These include ensuring proper lighting throughout the site, screening utility equipment from public view, installing an irrigation system for landscaped areas, and using non-combustible materials for balcony cladding.
If Council grants approval, this development will bring new housing options to the area while increasing density in a way that aligns with Chilliwack’s long-term growth plans.
