There’s a lot of anxiety and excitement brewing in South Vedder. A rezoning application is about to go before council for properties along Vedder Road, Viola Street, and Alma Ave. Add in the demolition of the property at 5488 Vedder Road (a former gas station) and the approved commercial rezoning at 5518 Vedder Road, and you can feel that change is coming. The South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan is the blueprint guiding this transformation, and it’s setting the stage for a new chapter in Chilliwack’s growth. So, what’s this plan all about? Let’s break it down.
South Vedder wasn’t always the lively area it is today. For decades, it was primarily agricultural land, with rural homes scattered along the Vedder River’s fertile banks. For the last generation, Vedder felt like a modest extension of CFB Chilliwack, sitting on the outskirts of the city and somewhat disconnected from Chilliwack's core.
But as Chilliwack expanded, particularly after the development of Garrison Crossing, the area began to evolve. Garrison brought a new urban energy, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces in a way that revitalized the neighbourhood.
Today, South Vedder is still a mix of older homes and newer developments, but the neighbourhood is on the cusp of an even bigger transformation. The South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan will guide this growth, helping the area evolve while maintaining its unique charm.
In South Vedder, you'll find a suburban community of older single-family homes, townhouses, a trailer park, and low-rise residential buildings like Ameera Place. Small businesses line parts of Vedder Road, catering to locals and the growing Garrison Crossing population. While the area retains its Vedder Crossing roots, development pressure is increasing.
As the rezoning applications and new developments start to roll in, South Vedder is preparing for an urban future. The neighbourhood plan envisions a more walkable community, with housing and commercial spaces integrated in a way that makes day-to-day life more convenient for residents.
South Vedder’s appeal lies in its location. It’s close to Garrison Crossing, which has become a model for modern urban living in Chilliwack, with shops, restaurants, parks, and recreational facilities that attract both families and young professionals. Residents of South Vedder benefit from these amenities while still enjoying their own quieter, suburban neighbourhood.
Another key driver of growth is Canada Education Park (CEP), home to the University of the Fraser Valley. As CEP continues to expand, bringing more students, staff, and faculty to the area, the demand for nearby housing and services is only increasing. This puts South Vedder in a prime position to absorb some of that growth.
Finally, the neighbourhood’s proximity to the Vedder River and its trail system makes it an attractive place to live for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The river trails provide easy access to nature, whether for walking, biking, or simply enjoying the scenery, all while still being close to the conveniences of urban life.
The South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan is all about increasing density while maintaining a livable, walkable community. But this isn’t about cramming in as many high-rises as possible. Instead, the plan promotes mixed-density housing, meaning a thoughtful blend of single-family homes, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, townhouses, and apartments. This approach allows for growth while preserving the character of the neighbourhood.
The plan also encourages mixed-use developments, where shops, services, and homes are integrated into the same area. Imagine being able to grab a coffee, do your shopping, and take care of errands all within walking distance of your home. By reducing the need for car trips, this approach not only makes life more convenient but also promotes sustainability and a stronger sense of community.
The South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan breaks the area into several land use designations, each with specific guidelines on what can be built and where. Here’s a snapshot of the different types of development we can expect:
Primarily single-family homes with room for some duplexes and accessory dwelling units. These developments will keep a low-density feel, capped at 3 storeys, with homes facing the street to foster community interaction.
A step up in density, allowing for townhouses and rowhouses. These will also be up to 3 storeys high, creating a walkable environment that supports family-friendly living while increasing housing options.
Higher-density housing like mid-rise apartments, with buildings up to 6 storeys. These will be concentrated near commercial hubs and transit routes, making it easy for residents to access amenities without needing a car.
Mixed-use developments with ground-floor businesses and residential units above. Commercial-only buildings will be capped at 4 storeys, while mixed-use buildings can reach 6 storeys. This is where the neighbourhood will feel most vibrant, with shops and services integrated into the community.
The heart of the neighbourhood, where the most intensive commercial activity will happen. Expect 6-storey mixed-use buildings with shops, restaurants, and businesses on the lower floors and homes above. This area will be the focal point for daily life in South Vedder.
One of the most exciting aspects of the South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan is its emphasis on connectivity. The plan includes enhanced walking and biking trails, making it easier for residents to get around without relying on cars. These trails will link South Vedder to key areas like Garrison Crossing and Canada Education Park, creating a more integrated community.
But that’s not all. There’s also the possibility of a trail connecting South Vedder to Promontory, which would give residents even more access to green space and outdoor activities. This is part of a broader push by Chilliwack to promote active transportation, encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing the community’s carbon footprint.
What makes the South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan particularly noteworthy is that it’s the most recently adopted plan within Chilliwack’s urban core. While the Yarrow Neighbourhood Plan was adopted more recently, Yarrow is a rural area and isn’t designed for the same level of density as South Vedder. The South Vedder plan, on the other hand, reflects a modern approach to urbanism—one that emphasizes density, walkability, and sustainability.
This plan will likely serve as a template for future neighbourhood plans across Chilliwack. As the city grows, other areas will look to South Vedder as a model for how to balance development with livability. That’s why it’s so important to watch this neighbourhood as it evolves—it’s laying the foundation for how Chilliwack will manage growth in the years to come.
The South Vedder Neighbourhood Plan isn’t just about new buildings or businesses sprouting up overnight. It’s about creating the right conditions for a connected, livable, and sustainable community to take shape. With its mix of housing, walkable streets, and access to nature, South Vedder has the potential to evolve into a truly vibrant neighbourhood.
But city plans aren’t like painting a picture—they’re more like planting a garden. The plan lays the groundwork, setting up the conditions for the private sector and the community to fill in and flourish over time. As the area grows, the transformation won’t happen all at once, but gradually, as new opportunities are seeded and take root. South Vedder’s journey is one to watch closely, as it represents a model for how thoughtful planning can help shape Chilliwack’s future.
