CITY OF CHILLIWACK 2025 Annual Report 28 29 2025 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, supporting cultural groups, and offering diverse, highquality parks and recreation. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2025 INCLUSIVENESS Identify and support projects and programs that nurture accessibility, inclusion, and diversity. Continued implementation of the Mayor’s Task Force on Inclusiveness, Diversity and Accessibility Action Plan. Continued with the Canada Day drone show, rather than traditional fireworks, to reduce the impact on pets and individuals that are sensitive to loud noises. Enhanced site accessibility through the installation of paved parking stalls along Vedder Greenway, Community Forest, and Qoqó:lem Park. Supported Pink Shirt Day and Orange Shirt Day. Continued to utilize alternative text on social media to make images more accessible. Provided funding for inclusive events through Community Development Initiatives and the Neighbourhood Grant Program. Continued to make accessible sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, including the installation of eight new curb letdowns and five pedestrian signal upgrades with new audible and push buttons. Playground accessibility improvements included within the 10-year Comprehensive Municipal Plan. Updated the rubber surfacing at Chehalis Park and Cheam Centre playground to improve accessibility. Purchased three new water accessible wheelchairs for Cheam Leisure Centre. Continued to work with the Rick Hansen Foundation to update interior and exterior signage and amenities to improve accessibility at recreational properties. Purchased two new adaptive hockey sleds for Sardis Sports Complex. Installed new seating at Rotary Hall to support accessibility needs. Continued offering Sensory Friendly Skates, for people who are neurodiverse, at the Chilliwack Coliseum and Sardis Sports Complex. Completed upgrades at Evergreen Hall to include new lever-style door handles, tactile attention indicators on exterior staircases and ramps, a new wheelchair lift, and power-operated doors at main entrances and washrooms. Created 16 new accessible parking stalls at nine local parks and trails to improve access to outdoor amenities. Installed Chilliwack’s first fully inclusive swing at Bill Kelly Park. Installed a new accessible washroom at Townsend Park. STRATEGIC GOAL #4 CONTINUED: STRONG NEIGHBOURHOODS Support accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and truth and reconciliation. Fostering community spirit, attracting community events, supporting cultural groups, and offering diverse, highquality parks and recreation. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2025 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, who hosted a National Indigenous Peoples Day Truth and Reconciliation event at Sqwá First Nation featuring Chief Prest, traditional drumming and song, and keynote speaker Brenda Wilson, an advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Engagement with local First Nations Elders, in support of Reaching Home, included the Community Advisory Board and Point in Time Count. Staff continued to utilize the Indigenous author library to further their education and understanding. Honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Continued to host the “Rooted Waters” video series on the City’s website, which highlights Indigenous place names around Chilliwack. The video series was done in partnership with the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Chilliwack, Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, Stó:lō Community Futures, and Ch’íyáqtel First Nation. Shared information on active transportation education and future road projects at the S.A.Y. Day event, hosted by SAY Lands Office, the administrative and land management office serving Skowkale, Aitchelitz, and Yakweakwioose First Nations. Wrote letters of support for Community to Community 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. Provided funding through Active Communities for Aboriginal Children’s Day activities. Continued working with the Province, Semá:th, Matsqui and Leq’á:mel First Nations, and the City of Abbotsford on the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan to make Sumas Prairie more resilient to flooding. Collaborated with Ch’íyáqtel First Nation on construction of a multi-use pathway on Bailey Road, from Chilliwack River Road to Matheson Road. Contributed funding to the Pelólxw First Nations public art at Five Corners.
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