Housing
Chilliwack uses an array of planning tools to support housing in the City. Underpinning these tools is the City's Official Community Plan, which includes specific housing policies and guidance on affordable and appropriate housing, such as the development of complete communities and improving walkability for residents. Housing policies also include accommodating new residential development through infill and redevelopment in existing areas, supporting adequate and affordable housing for seniors, encouraging rental housing by promoting alternative forms of housing (i.e. accessory dwelling units).
Provincial Housing Initiatives
The Province recently enacted several housing related bills to amend the Local Government Act and change the way cities across BC plan for and approve new housing development. Many aspects of these bills mandate cities to take certain actions, including Chilliwack. More information about the City's approach to these changes will be shared as they are developed.
Chilliwack Housing Needs Report
The City has completed a Housing Needs Report to identify current and future housing needs in our community. The report focuses on affordability and demand for all housing types and will support future City, B.C. government, local non-profit and development community decision-making around housing.
Housing Needs of Aging Adults Study
Like many Canadian communities, Chilliwack's population of adults 65 and over is growing faster than other age groups and there is a need to ensure that affordable and appropriate services and housing options are available across the housing and care continuum. To this end, the City undertook the Housing Needs of Aging Adults study to better understand housing needs and to provide direction to actors across sectors, including the City, non‑profit housing providers, private developers, and health agencies.
Infill Development Policy
The City’s growth management strategy (Official Community Plan) is focussed primarily on the redevelopment and densification of existing urban areas in accordance with best practices for infill development, established development targets, land use plans, and design guidelines. Policy Directive G-32 (Infill Development Policies) has been developed to support these objectives.
Secondary Suites, Coach Houses & Garden Suites
The City has a policy (the Secondary Suites Policy) to permit the rental of secondary suites within any single detached dwelling in the City, regardless of the zone of the lot. In conjunction with the Secondary Suites Policy, the City has established a development permit process (Development Permit Area 10) for regulating the form and character of coach houses and garden suites.
