If you’ve driven past Chilliwack River Road and Bailey Road recently, you’ve probably noticed two rezoning signs posted on Tzeachten First Nation land. These signs mark two separate proposals that could bring some changes to the area, and while details are still limited, there’s enough here to start piecing together what might be in the works.
This rezoning application proposes changing Lot 10-1 (6355 Chilliwack River Road) from Residential 1 (R1) to Commercial (C). The lot is at the intersection of Chilliwack River Road and Bailey Road, in the northeast corner of the Industrial Northlands area of Ch’iyáqtel First Nation.
The Industrial Northlands area is guided by the Ch’iyáqtel First Nation Land Use Plan, which prioritizes light industrial uses that align with sustainability and provide economic opportunities. The plan also allows for some commercial uses, making this rezoning a reasonable fit for the area’s long-term goals.
If approved, the Commercial (C) zoning could allow for:
Given the size of the lot and its somewhat isolated location, this site could realistically house something like a gas station, a coffee shop, or a small-scale retail business. Larger developments seem less likely unless surrounding infrastructure, like the potential South Sumas Road extension, is addressed in the future.
The second rezoning application is for a lot along Bailey Road that’s part of the Th’ale temexw, or “Heartland,” area. Th’ale temexw is known for being home to Tzeachten’s sports and recreation facilities, its Longhouse, and a focus on housing and community-centred development.
This proposal would rezone the property from Residential 1 (R1) to Light Industrial (LI). If approved, the new zoning would allow for uses like warehousing, storage facilities (including for chemicals), light manufacturing, and food processing. It’s an interesting shift because light industrial zoning isn’t included in the 2022 land use plan for this area, which emphasizes residential and community uses.
The timing of this application could be connected to the recent 50-acre land acquisition by Tzeachten First Nation. While the exact location of that new land hasn’t been publicly confirmed, it might be reshaping how the Nation is thinking about development in this area.
These proposals are still in the early stages, with deadlines for public notice and input listed on the signs. The Lot 10-1 rezoning aligns with the Industrial Northlands’ vision for economic growth and integration with surrounding land uses, while the Bailey Road proposal hints at a potential shift in the planning approach for the Th’ale temexw area.
What ultimately comes of these applications remains to be seen, but they offer insight into how Tzeachten First Nation is exploring new opportunities for development and long-term land use planning.
