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valley floor to the Fraser River. The Eastern Hillsides
Comprehensive Area Plan has assessed that aspect of
hillside development impact, and Promontory devel-
opment, which is near build out, has also prompted
detailed analysis of the same phenomenon. These
concerns have led the City to embrace, where prac-
tical, new storm drainage/watershed management
practices, as well as adaptations to all storm events.
Within the built-up area, the older downtown storm
drainage installations represent another critical focus
of future utility planning. Their condition is a subject
of analysis for long term growth because of the lower
elevation of the Chilliwack proper core, the frequency
of main storm events , and the expectation of signifi-
cant development investment and population growth
in the future (Map 16).
In summary, utility planning in Chilliwack is a pillar to
Chilliwack’s future growth and healthy community
development. Although the City has been success-
ful in managing its water, sewer and storm drainage
systems, future challenges are less concerned about
territorial expansion, but more with systemic changes
and innovative practices in management, design and
on-site capacity increase for densification demand.
OBJECTIVES
1. Protect public health and safety by providing
clean water, and a healthy, safe living environ-
ment.
2. Secure long term water supply sources.
3. Provide community water service to the en-
tire municipality where cost and demand
warrant.
4. Plan for the increased utility demand in areas
where densification and growth are promot-
ed.
5. Ensure the future utility systems meet the
provincial environmental requirements and
conservation objectives.
6. Adapt to future system and environmental
challenges through innovative and best prac-
tices
POLICIES
1. Protect theSardis-VedderAquifer throughpub-
lic education, Development Permit guidelines,
Zoning Regulation, the subdivision approval
process, and available provincial legislation.
2. Monitor the ongoing water consump-
tion rate, land development, densifica-
tion and population growth in relation to
the capacity of the Sardis-Vedder Aquifer.
3. Secure new sources of community water sup-
ply, and in particular, dedicate adequate re-
sources to developing Chilliwack Aquifer as an
additional water source in a timely fashion.
4. Promote and expand the current conservation
program in a comprehensive, integrated man-
ner, including:
• Sprinkler restriction in the dry season;
• Home fixtures and outdoor rainwater
capture for water conservation;
• Conservation measures for industrial,
commercial and institutional uses; and
• Water conservation in agricultural prac-
tices, and the use of ground water in a re-
sponsible manner.
5. Maintain ongoing consultation with rural
communities, including Yarrow, Rosedale,
Ryder Lake, Greendale and the unser-
viced farming households in the west on
opportunities for new community water
service or system improvements, self-fi-
nancing and senior government funding.
6. Align the sewer district boundaries with the
designated urban growth areas and the Urban
Growth Boundary, and support no new sew-
er demand outside these boundaries – with
the exceptions of the Eastern Hillsides, Prom-
ontory and Chilliwack Mountain hillside com-
munities whose development and servicing
are governed by their respective area plans.
Goal 5 - Build Healthy Attractive Communities