Chilliwack council is “deeply frustrated” by the direction the new provincial housing legislation is forcing it to take, and it wants the community to know it.
“The City of Chilliwack has long supported responsible housing growth and affordable housing projects in a way that reflects the needs and wants of our community,” according to a statement from council on June 5.
“The provincial government, through Bill 44, has put that in jeopardy.”
The new rules have hamstrung cities from holding public hearings in specific cases, or allowing cities adequate time to manage the impact that rapid growth has on infrastructure.
Despite its reluctance council has approved the required zoning changes for small-scale multi-unit housing in Chilliwack as the province’s deadline approaches.
“As a council, we want the community to know how displeased we are about the many changes the province is forcing all municipalities to make, and that we will continue to advocate for a more sensible, comprehensive approach to increase the housing supply,” the release continued. “Taking away the voice of our residents on matters that directly impact their neighbourhoods is undemocratic and creates a myriad of challenges for all communities in B.C.”
Mayor and Council have issued a statement about Chilliwack’s recent bylaw changes required by provincial housing legislation. Read the full statement here: https://t.co/TYD5f25bMK pic.twitter.com/y0qPIgZhAq
— City of Chilliwack (@City_Chilliwack) June 5, 2024
Under the new rules for small-scale multi-unit housing, three to four units are allowed on properties within the urban growth boundary zoned for single-detached, and duplex housing.
Before this legislation, these types of projects would have gone to public hearing, where council would have had the opportunity to hear from the neighbours and consider the impacts of development on the neighbourhood and surrounding infrastructure.
Adding small-scale multi-unit housing to Chilliwack’s zoning bylaw was not something council wanted to do.
“But we worked with staff to comply with the legislation in a way that we hope will work for Chilliwack,” the release from council notes.
City staff tried to keep existing zoning regulations wherever possible, and when not possible, they have recommended compromises.
While they have to permit up to four units on single-detached or duplex zoned lots that are greater than 280 square metres and are within the urban growth boundary, they are able to maintain many of existing zoning parameters.
”For example, we will maintain existing zoning regulations of two parking spaces per unit for off-street parking requirements, instead of the province’s recommended 0.5 – 1 space per unit.
“We hope this will help alleviate some of the anticipated street parking concerns that we know will result from other changes required by the province.”
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