2019 Annual Report

Annual Report 2019 45 Supported Pink Shirt Day. Supported Chilliwack Healthier Communities (CHC). Approved inclusive public art pieces, including a rainbow mural of the word “LOVE”. Support youth initiatives and activities that benefit the community. In 2018, the Youth Engagement Projects (YEP) Grant was created, which is a matching grant of up to $1,000 that empowers youth to engage in their community through neighbourhood-enhancing projects and events. Support truth and reconciliation. Build a relationship of mutual respect and understanding with local First Nations. Relationship building through the Fraser Valley Aboriginal Relations Committee. Supported Orange Shirt Day. Mayor and Council members joined reconciliation walks on September 30. Worked with Shxwhá:y Village and Skwah First Nation on a combined dyke project that will provide flood protection to both First Nations land and infrastructure as well as municipal. Hosted “ISR 101 - Introductory Topics in Indigenous/Settler Relations”, a two-hour workshop by the Fraser Valley Regional District, in Council Chambers for City staff. Attract & Maintain Business Growth Contract with CEPCO for economic development. New businesses locating in Chilliwack. Non-market business/industry assessment increased in 2019 as a result of new business attraction. Work cooperatively with CEPCO in setting mutual priorities. Current contract with CEPCO. Encourage redevelopment in the downtown area. Provide revitalization tax exemptions (RTE) through the Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw. One application for RTE within the downtown area for a commercial renovation on Alexander Avenue in 2018. No applications for RTE to date in 2019. Facilitating an environment for downtown revitalization. Phase 1 and 2 of the innovative multi-phase downtown redevelopment at Five Corners by Algra Bros. Developments for their innovative multi-phase proposal is underway. The project will retain some buildings and upgrade their historic facades while creating a sustainable, walkable and vibrant city centre and is expected to be a catalyst for redevelopment in the downtown. Create an environment that is positive to business creation. Comparison of taxes and fees, and timing of service delivery. Chilliwack provides low business taxes and fees in comparison to other Lower Mainland communities. Through the Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw (2011), the City had 2 applications in 2018 for Luster Products and Level Fab. No applications for IRTE to date in 2019, although several applications, including Molson’s, are in the works. NAIOP: Final survey results for 2019 have not yet been made available, however, it's expected that the City will continue to have the lowest commercial to residential property tax burden and be one of the best for development application and permit turnaround times. Ensure plans are in place to facilitate regional growth predictions. Regional growth accommodated in OCP and CMP. The 2040 Official Community Plan was adopted in 2014, the Regional Growth Strategy goals were incorporated into the OCP. In 2019 the City initiated the following