CITY OF CHILLIWACK | 2024 Annual Report 30 31 2024 Annual Report | CITY OF CHILLIWACK STRATEGIC GOAL #4 CONTINUED: STRONG NEIGHBOURHOODS Support accessibility, inclusion, diversity and truth and reconciliation. Fostering community spirit, attracting community events and supporting cultural groups, while providing high-quality parks and recreational opportunities. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2024 TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION Build relationships of mutual respect and understanding with local First Nations. Relationship building continues at the Council level. Ongoing support for Chilliwack Healthier Community and the Opening Doors Task Team. Supported four Indigenous led training sessions through Reaching Home for service agencies. Engagement with local First Nations Elders in support of Reaching Home including the Community Advisory Board and Point in Time Count. Staff utilized the Indigenous author library to further their education and understanding. Honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Partnered on the “Rooted Waters” video series highlighting Indigenous Place Names around Chilliwack, including Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Chilliwack, Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, Stó:lō Community Futures and Ch’íyáqtel First Nation. Installed two new solar-powered Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crosswalks on Chilliwack River Road in partnership with Skowkale First Nation and with funding support from Fraser Health. Continued coordination with Tzeachten First Nation on the planned extension of a multi-use pathway on Bailey Road from Chilliwack River Road to Matheson Road. Wrote letters of support for Community to Community (C2C) grant applications for educational opportunities developed by Tzeachten First Nation. Partnered with School District #33 in hosting a two-day Truth and Reconciliation event. Continued work with Sqwá First Nation for a new dike to expand the flood protection area. Provided free facility use for a Truth and Reconciliation event at a local park. Installed two indigenous house posts at City Hall. Continued working with the province, Semá:th, Matsqui and Leq’á:mel First Nations, and City of Abbotsford on the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan to make Sumas Prairie more resilient to flooding. STRATEGIC GOAL #5: VIBRANT ECONOMY Contract with CEPCO for promotion of economic development and encouragement of focused development in critical areas. Work to create an environment that is positive to business creation. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2024 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Attract and maintain business. Worked with CEPCO to set mutual priorities for economic development. Continued to provide low business property taxes and fees, compared to other Lower Mainland communities, to attract and retain business within the city. Participating member of the Inter-Municipal Transportation Network for ride hailing services as well as the Inter-Municipal Business Licence program for trades contractors and other professionals in the construction industry for Fraser Valley municipalities. Continued working with the Chilliwack Economic Resource Network to develop and facilitate strategies to assist and support local businesses. Commenced construction of the Airport Electrical Upgrades project. PLANNING Ensure plans are in place to facilitate regional growth predictions. Chilliwack's Comprehensive Municipal Plan continues to accommodate regional growth. Began the Official Community Plan (OCP) update process to plan for the next 25 years of growth, to include workshops with stakeholders and staff, and public engagement opportunities. Completed the interim Housing Needs Report analysis to determine the five and 20-year housing supply needs to inform the OCP update and future housing policies. Continued implementing the Heritage Strategic Action Plan. Applied for round two of the Housing Accelerator Fund: a competitive grant program from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation intended to help speed up housing development and increase housing supply. Adopted Small-Scale Housing and Transit-Oriented Area bylaws to comply with Provincial legislation. Provided support to the District 33 School Board in planning future school site acquisitions. Received Provincial housing targets for the next five years of housing development approvals. Reviewed and submitted changes to census geography in preparation of the next census in 2026.
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