As Chilliwack grows and changes, it's becoming more important to think creatively about how we can address issues like housing affordability and community space. One potential solution lies in reimagining how we use church properties—without compromising their role as sacred spaces. This idea has been gaining traction in some cities, and it’s worth considering whether it could work for our community.
Churches have long been more than just places of worship. They’re vital community hubs where people gather for meetings, events, and social support. Yet many of these properties sit on substantial parcels of land that are often underutilized outside of service hours, particularly large parking lots. Consider properties like First Ave Church, Chilliwack Alliance Church, and the Salvation Army property on Brooks Avenue. They occupy prime land, largely tax-exempt, but are mostly used for parking or remain vacant much of the time.
This isn’t to say that churches aren’t contributing to the community—they do, in countless ways. But because these properties are tax-exempt, churches aren’t subject to the same financial pressures as other landowners, making it easier for them to hold onto these spaces without the need to develop. This unique situation offers an opportunity to think long-term about how these spaces could better serve their congregations and the wider community.
With a combined 6.5 hectares of land, these three church properties have the potential to significantly increase Chilliwack’s housing supply and community amenities. Each site presents unique opportunities for development, ranging from modest residential additions to ambitious mixed-use projects.
First Ave Church is currently zoned P1 Civic Assembly and designated as Residential 2 in the 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP), which supports densities of 40-50 units per hectare. With a property size of 5.98 acres (2.42 ha), this zoning could allow for around 80-100 units. However, an amendment to the OCP could elevate this area to an urban quarter designation, permitting mixed-use development and potentially accommodating hundreds of additional dwelling units. While that might sound extreme, it illustrates the potential scale of change if the community embraces a more intensive land use vision.
The Salvation Army property on Brooks Avenue is the smallest of the three at 3.79 acres. A dramatic transformation here would significantly alter the neighbourhood's character. However, a thoughtful approach to reimagining this space could create a vibrant community hub with added features like a daycare, community gathering space, and modest rental housing. Even a conservative development here could add 50-100 new units, enhancing the area without overwhelming it.
The Alliance Church property has the most transformative potential given its size, strategic location, and connectivity. Positioned along a key artery on Young Road and well-served by transit, this site is ideal for a comprehensive mixed-use development. A well-planned project could include a range of housing options, retail spaces, and community facilities, setting the stage for Chilliwack’s first urban quarter with mid-rise or even tower developments. This kind of bold vision could redefine the area, bringing in much-needed density and amenities while supporting the church’s mission and community presence.
Each of these properties offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Chilliwack’s growth in a way that is thoughtful, impactful, and respectful of the community's needs and values.
The goal here isn’t to take anything away from churches but to add to their impact. Imagine a scenario where church properties are redeveloped to include affordable housing, community centres, or mixed-use facilities, while still preserving their sacred spaces. This doesn’t mean losing the church; it means creating more opportunities—more homes, more resources, and more support for the entire community.
Wayne Yan’s thesis on mixed-use church developments (Many Rooms: Mixed Use Reimagining Church Redevelopments in Vancouver, University of Waterloo, 2021-02-19) in Vancouver shows how this can be done effectively. Projects like Central Presbyterian Church and Oakridge Lutheran Church have partnered with developers to integrate affordable housing and community spaces with their religious facilities. These are not just buildings—they are vibrant community centres that serve a dual purpose.
Churches already have tax-exempt status, which can make them strong candidates for government housing programs. For example, organizations like BC Housing often seek out partnerships with non-profits and faith groups to help deliver affordable housing projects. Because churches are already structured as non-profits, they can access funding and support that might not be available to private developers.
Moreover, churches may qualify for special lending programs and grants aimed at supporting community-based projects. They could potentially borrow at lower interest rates or receive favorable terms that make redevelopment more feasible. This positions them uniquely to tackle complex projects that the private sector might shy away from due to lower profit margins.
Instead of waiting for private developers to step in, churches can take proactive steps, partnering with organizations like BC Housing to create housing solutions that align with their mission. This is an opportunity for churches to lead the way in addressing community needs, leveraging their existing resources and mission to serve in new and impactful ways.
Change can be challenging, especially when it involves cherished community spaces like churches. But this is about thinking ahead and finding ways to support both our faith communities and those who need affordable housing or community resources. It’s not an either/or—it’s a chance to do both.
By starting this conversation, we can explore how to grow and strengthen our community in a way that respects everyone’s needs and values. Churches have the potential to be powerful partners in shaping Chilliwack’s future, helping to create a more connected, vibrant, and supportive community for all.
What are your thoughts? How we can build a stronger Chilliwack together, using all the resources we have available.
