Press Releases

CHILLIWACK, B.C. - On Friday, October 1, 2004 Chilliwack City Council agreed to remove a moratorium on  development permits, rezonings, subdivisions and building permits in the Eastern Hillsides area of Chilliwack. The moratorium was implemented in early September.

During the weeks following the September 13, 2004 announcement of the six-month moratorium on development, Thurber Engineering, McElhanney Associates and City staff have been investigating other means of verifying whether or not there is ground movement in the greater Eastern Hillside Area.  These studies have included a revisiting of 1995 and 1996 survey points, the re-survey of several existing GPS hubs and an investigation of previous land surveys. 

As a result of these studies, geotechnical experts at Thurber Engineering have reached the conclusion that, other than within a smaller defined area in the Panorama Heights subdivision on Marble Hill, there is no evidence of ground movement.

Given the new information, Council has passed a resolution that rescinds the moratorium, said Mayor Clint Hames.  Our staff and experts have been diligent about re-examining the data. The moratorium reflected Council's desire to exercise maximum prudence. We can now allow development activity to resume in the area.

This study affected the area of the Eastern Hillsides that is approximately four km. long, extending east from Hinkley Road to Allan Road. A preliminary GPS study of this area indicated that the vector coordinates had changed during the course of the study and we determined that further study was required to ascertain whether or not this indicated ground movement.

The Panorama Heights subdivision within the Marble Hill area is an area that has been under study for some time and there has been confirmed movement in what appears to be an isolated pattern there. The City has been working for some time with residents, property owners and geoscientists to identify and mitigate the movement in Panorama Heights.  The existing moratorium in Panorama Heights will continue.

- 30 -

Information:

Mayor Clint Hames
604-793-2900