… a message from our Mayor - Chilliwack Business Centre

Transcription

… a message from our Mayor
W
elcome to Chilliwack. We’re one of the fastest
growing communities in BC. Word is spreading
quickly. With gorgeous scenery … an area rich in
recreational activities ... low lands costs ... a progressive business community
... and an ideal, b lanced way of life, Chilliwack is becoming a popular
destination for residents, tourists and businesses alike.
Clint Hames, Mayor
City of Chilliwack
Apart from our natural attractions, we can attribute much of our
growing success to Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO). In
1998, the City transferred its economic development initiatives to a new,
publicly funded, private corporation now known as CEPCO. As a private
corporation, CEPCO changed the model for municipal economic
development. They can provide flexible and innovative services that other
public economic corporations cannot. This increases our ability to attract
new businesses.
Combine CEPCO’s abilities with the City of Chilliwack’s commitment to
eliminate bureaucracy, limit regulations and restrictions, and ensure speedy
permit approvals, and you have the perfect recipe for substantial business
growth.
The City of Chilliwack is dedicated to our businesses. We believe in
doing everything possible to help our existing businesses and attract new
business. With this commitment and our unique business support abilities,
Chilliwack is destined for long-term growth and success.
Sincerely,
Clint Hames
Mayor, City of Chilliwack
1
CHILLIWACK COMMUNITY PROFILE
Acknowledgements
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO)
wishes to thank all those people
who contributed to this publication.
The information and data provided in this document has been compiled from a variety of sources.
Although Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) believes that such information was
accurate at the time of original publication, it does not provide any representations or warranties as to the
accuracy of same or as to the suitability of such information for any purpose. All such information
provided is on an “as is” basis, and any reliance on such information is solely at the user’s risk. In no
event shall Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation be responsible or liable for any expenses or
damages arising out of or in any way connected to the use of this document or any information contained
herein.
2
Table of Contents
SECTION ONE:
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
5
LOCATION
5
HISTORY
6
POPULATION
- Population Growth
- Regional Population
- Population by Age-Sex
ETHNICITY
6
7
7
8
9
CLIMATE
- Average Temperatures
- Sunlight and Precipitation
- Frost Period
TRANSPORTATION
- By Road
- By Air
- By Rail
- By Sea
- Shipping
9
9
9
10
11
11
12
14
14
15
SECTION TWO:
ACTIVITIES AND AMENITIES
17
TOURISM AND RECREATIONAL
ACTIVITIES
- Major Attractions
- Area Map
FACILITIES
- Accommodations
- Recreational Facilities
- Special Event Facilities
- Community Halls
- Seniors Centres
- Conference and Meeting Facilities
- Libraries and Museums
ORGANIZATIONS
- Community and Social Organizations
- Religious Organizations
- Sports Organizations
- Outdoor Organizations
- Arts Clubs
- Music
- Senior’s Organizations
17
18
20
21
21
21
22
23
23
23
24
25
25
25
25
26
26
26
26
- Other Organizations
EDUCATION
26
27
HEALTH CARE
- Fraser Health
SAFETY AND SECURITY
- Fire Department
- Chilliwack RCMP
- Ambulance
MEDIA
- Cable Television
- Newspapers
- Radio
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
31
31
32
32
33
34
35
35
35
35
35
UTILITIES
- Power
- Water
- Sewer
- Waste
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
36
36
37
38
39
40
3
SECTION THREE:
ECONOMICS
ECONOMIC SECTORS
- Agriculture
- Food Processing
- Downtown
- Film
- Finance, Insurance and Real Estate
- Forestry
- Health
- Manufacturing
- Public Sector
- Services
- Technology
- Tourism
- Trade (Retail and Wholesale)
BUSINESS FORMATIONS
42
42
43
43
44
45
46
46
47
48
49
50
51
53
55
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
55
WORKFORCE
56
UNEMPLOYMENT
58
INCOME
59
COST-OF-LIVING
60
TAXATION
62
HOUSING
63
DEVELOPMENT
- Industrial Projects
- Commercial/Retail Projects
- Institutional/Public Projects
- Residential Projects
- Downtown Redevelopment Projects
BUILDING STATISTICS
- Land Space
- Building Permits
- Assessment
4
41
66
67
68
70
72
78
78
78
78
81
SECTION FOUR:
BUSINESS SUPPORT
83
- Chilliwack Economic Partners
Corporation: Business Support
- Other Business Support Organizations
IMMIGRATION
83
85
86
BUSINESS RESOURCES
87
SECTION FIVE:
PROFILES
- Chilliwack Economic
Partners Corporation
- Tourism Chilliwack
- Chilliwack Agricultural Commission
- Chilliwack Film Commission
- Downtown Chilliwack Business
Improvement Association
- Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce
- City of Chilliwack: Municipal
Government
- Provincial Government
- Federal Government
APPENDIX:
SUPPLEMENTAL
STATISTICAL DATA
- Utilities
- Income
- Housing
- Building Permits
- Assessments
- Land Space
- Taxation
89
89
90
91
91
92
93
93
94
95
A-1
A-02
A-04
A-05
A-11
A-17
A-21
A-26
SECTION ONE:
Community Overview
W
hen people talk about “Beautiful
technology industry), and Rogers Foods are discovering
British Columbia,” they might as well
that there are significant advantages to locating in
be talking about Chilliwack,
Chilliwack.
Chilliwack is destined for long-term growth and
stability.
BC. Chilliwack is nestled in a wide, fertile river valley
surrounded by endless mountains, miles of crystal clear
lakes, and acres of untamed wilderness. It is quite literally
one of the most extraordinary areas of the planet.
As part of the Greater Vancouver/Lower Mainland
Economic Region, Chilliwack enjoys some of the same
benefits as Vancouver: Canada’s low cost dollar ... mild
temperatures of the Southwest Coast ... proximity to
major markets (such as the Pacific Rim) ... and easy
access to the United States. Even with all these benefits,
Chilliwack has more to offer: low labour costs ... low
energy costs ... low land costs ... and generally a much
lower cost of living. In fact, Chilliwack’s general living
expenses are about 35% less than Vancouver —
LOCATION
The City of Chilliwack is located in the eastern portion
of the Greater Vancouver/Lower Mainland Economic
Region of British Columbia (this area is also referred to
as the Fraser Valley Regional District). Chilliwack is
about 100 km (60 miles) from downtown Vancouver and
the Pacific coastline of British Columbia, Canada. [SEE
AREA MAP]. It is located on the south side of the
Fraser River and neighbors Abbotsford (in the west) and
Hope (in the east).
North America
Area Map
housing, for example, can be as much as 50% less!
All of these benefits combined with a progressive
and proactive economic development initiative make the
City of Chilliwack an attractive destination for residents,
Chilliwack
businesses and tourists. Lower Mainland residents are
moving eastward to take advantage of some of the lower
land and housing costs. Chilliwack’s population
(estimated at 76,236 people (2006)) is growing by a
steady 2% each year. The number of skilled and qualified
workers is increasing. And major corporations, like
Stream (a customer call centre serving the high
Latitude: 49°10-North
Longitude 121°56-West
Elevation 11m
Land Area:
25,900 ha (100m2)
Measures: W-E 23.5 km
(14.6); N-S: 12.5 (7.8)
Source: Environment Canada
5
Chilliwack - Sardis
manner of goods and passengers. Miller’s Landing,
Sumas Landing and Chilliwack Landing became the
birthplace of a new community.
But as the gold and fur trades died out, Chilliwack’s
attraction changed. The arable flat river basin provided
the ideal environment for farming. In 1873, the
Township of Chilliwack (at that time, spelled
Chilliwhack) was incorporated and became British
Columbia’s third oldest municipality.
By 1881, the community had little room for
expansion along the river, so the main commercial area
moved south to the junction of the New WestminsterYale Wagon Road, Wellington Avenue and Young Road
(the area we now call Five Corners). This part of town
was originally referred to as Centreville until it gave way
to the more popular name of Chilliwack. In 1908,
“Centreville” became incorporated as a separate
municipality as the City of Chilliwack. The City and the
Township co-existed for 72 years, and finally in 1980
they merged to form the District of Chilliwack. In 1999,
the “District” was renamed the City of Chilliwack.
A larger map can be found on page 20
NOTE: The word Chilliwack is the name of a local First
Nations tribe as well as a geographic description of the area.
The City of Chilliwack (formerly the District of
Chilliwack) measures 23.5 km (14.6 miles) from east to
west and 12.5 km (7.8 miles) from north to south. It
covers a total territory of 25,900 ha (100 square miles).
The City’s boundaries are roughly located at the Fraser
River (in the north), Vedder Canal (in the west), and the
community of Rosedale (in the east).
HISTORY
The area known as Chilliwack today was originally
inhabited by the Sto:lo First Nations. In fact,
approximately 30,000 Sto:lo were estimated to have
inhabited this area rich in natural resources and beauty.
Then in 1857, things changed. Gold was found. Within a
year, more than 30,000 gold miners flocked to the Fraser
River canyon to unearth this buried treasure. Chilliwack
became a hub of activity. Fraser River steamboats
stopped regularly to provide transportation for all
6
Chilliwhack is a “Halkomelem” word meaning “quieter water at
the head” or travel by way of a backwater.
POPULATION
British Columbia has traditionally been one of the
fastest growing provinces in Canada. This is largely due
to interprovincial migration as Easterners seek the milder
climate of the Pacific Coast and its desirable standard of
living. BC has also grown significantly as Asians seek
BC’s lower cost of living and a new way of life. This
provincial growth has subsided somewhat over the past
several years.
However, Chilliwack is continuing to attract new
residents at a record pace. An attractive lifestyle,
gorgeous scenery, and low cost home prices — at about
half of those in western areas of the Greater
Population Estimates 1991 - 2021
Vancouver/Lower Mainland Economic
Region — are causing the centre of
120,000
population for the Lower Mainland to
100,000
shift eastward away from Vancouver
80,000
and toward Chilliwack.
60,000
40,000
Population Growth
20,000
74,420 with an average annual growth rate of about 2%.
0
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
As of 2005, the estimated population of Chilliwack is
With steady growth, projected population is expected to
reach 83,946 in 2010 and 108,823 in 2021.
Regional Population
There are 260,247 people living within a 30-minute
commute of Chilliwack (including Abbotsford, Mission
and Chilliwack). There are about 865,360 within 90 km
(to Surrey and Pitt Meadows); and about 2.5 million
within 130 km (including Vancouver).
Besides Vancouver, major US cities such as Seattle
and Bellingham (Washington State) are also within a
reasonable distance from Chilliwack. And in the Lower
Mainland, there are three border crossings to ensure easy
access to these US centres. If the American communities
are also included, there are over five million people living
within 200 km of Chilliwack.
Regional Population
Chilliwack
76,236
Within 40 km
260,247
Within 90 km
865,360
Within 130 km
2,393,071
Within BC
4,196,383
Year Population Change Households Change
1991
50,888
5.82%
19,044
2.618
1992
54,121
6.35%
20,216
2.626
1993
57,387
6.03%
21,393
2.635
1994
60,710
5.79%
22,561
2.643
1995
61,819
1.83%
22,872
2.651
1996
63,068
2.02%
23,233
2.659
1997
64,426
2.15%
23,766
2.663
1998
65,209
1.22%
24,084
2.667
1999
65,963
1.16%
24,096
2.671
2000
66,818
1.30%
24,398
2.669
2001
67,846
1.54%
24,767
2.667
2002
68,896
1.55%
25,258
2.665
2003
70,890
2.89%
25,883
2.663
2004
72,645
2.47%
26,532
2.661
2005
74,420
2.44%
27,189
2.659
2006
76,236
2.44%
27,862
2.657
2007
78,115
2.46%
28,559
2.655
2008
80,038
2.46%
29,290
2.653
2009
81,976
2.42%
30,027
2.651
2010
83,946
2.40%
30,774
2.649
2011
85,904
2.33%
31,564
2.643
2012
87,964
2.40%
32,392
2.637
2013
90,125
2.46%
33,263
2.632
2014
92,363
2.48%
34,167
2.626
2015
94,674
2.50%
35,103
2.620
2016
97,081
2.54%
36,079
2.614
2017
99,400
2.39%
37,025
2.609
2018
101,748
2.36%
37,988
2.603
2019
104,112
2.32%
38,961
2.597
2020
106,522
2.31%
39,955
2.592
2021
108,823
2.16%
40,911
2.586
Source: City of Chilliwack, 2006
7
Population by Age-Sex
The percentage of males and females
2003 Population by Age
living in BC has been roughly equal since the
1960s — and it’s no different in Chilliwack
7,000
6,000
than 37% of British Columbians are under the
5,000
Persons
(see chart). The population’s also older: less
age of thirty. This trend is similar in
Chilliwack as about 61% of the population is
over 29 years old.
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
The increase in adult population implies a
85-89
90 Plus
80-84
70-74
75-79
60-64
65-69
50-54
55-59
45-49
35-39
40-44
25-29
30-34
However, changes are minimal. In Chilliwack,
15-19
20-24
downsizing of the average household.
10-14
0-4
5-9
0
Age Group
the average household size remains at about
three persons, and that number is unlikely to
change much over the next 10 years.
Population by Age-Sex
3,000
Households
2009
30,027
2010
30,774
2011
31,564
2021
40,990
-
Family Structure
Fam ilies in Private
Households
Husband-Wife
Fam ilies
26,845
15,067
Lone-Parent
Fam ilies
3,086
Source: Canadian Demographics, Financial Post, 2006
8
Avg. No. Persons
per Fam ily
Avg. No.
Sons/Daughters
at Hom e
3
1.2
85+
29,290
80-84
2008
500
75-79
28,559
70-74
2007
1,000
65-69
27,862
60-64
2006
55-59
27,189
50-54
2005
1,500
45-49
26,532
40-44
2004
35-39
25,883
30-34
2003
2,000
25-29
25,258
20-24
2002
15-19
24,767
10-14
2001
Male
Female
2,500
5-9
24,398
0-4
2000
Languages Spoken
ETHNICITY
Chilliwack is predominantly an English-speaking
community with a value system based in Christianity.
However, there is a strong and growing multi-cultural
aspect to Chilliwack as more and more immigrants come
to the province from Asia, Europe, and other nonEuropean areas. Like the rest of Canada, Chilliwack is a
growing cultural mosaic as opposed to the proverbial
melting pot. Immigrants are able to maintain their
cultural identity and discover micro-communities that
speak their native language. (For a list of churches and
other religious organizations, go to page 25 under
Organizations).
92.35%
English
0.35%
German
0.07%
Dutch
0.05%
French
0.12%
Punjabi
0.17%
Korean
0.08%
Romanian
0.17%
Vietnamese
0.15%
Chinese
0.39%
Other
*Note: many respondents list ed speak more than one language.
CLIMATE
So urce: Canadian Demo graphics, Financial P o st, 2006
The Lower Mainland has one of the mildest climates
in Canada. This makes Chilliwack and the Lower
Mainland a popular choice among visitors, immigrants
and other Canadians who are relocating or retiring.
Average Temperatures
• The average daily maximum temperature in January
is 5.2 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit).
However, winter temperatures could drop to -7 or
-8 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit).
• The average daily maximum temperature in July is
24.4 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit).
However, the summer temperature can reach the low
30s Celsius (up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
Sunlight and Precipitation
Chilliwack receives on average about 1,500 hours of
sunlight.
In terms of precipitation, the historic average is
1562.6 mm (61.5 inches). November and December are
the wettest months, with precipitation over 250 mm (9.8
inches) per month. By contrast, July and August are the
driest months, during which the monthly rainfall averages
about 57 mm.
Snowfall usually occurs between November and
February. The average annual snowfall is about 107 cm,
with usually no more than 40 cm accumulation for
January. By March, snowfall becomes a rare
Average Temperature
20
10
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Source: Environment Canada, 2005
9
Frost Period
occurrence. It is light in Chilliwack in comparison to
other parts of BC and Canada, and is evidenced by the
In the Chilliwack area, the frost-free period is
fact that snow seldom remains on the ground for more
approximately 207 days (106 year average). The spring
than two consecutive weeks.
frost usually ends with the month of March, whereas
the fall frost starts in early November.
Chilliwack Temperatures and Precipitation
Temperatures
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Year
Daily Maximum ° C
5.2
8.3
11.3 15.3 18.6 21.0 24.4 24.5 21.8 15.2
9.1
5.9
15.1
Daily Minimum ° C
-0.5
1.1
2.7
5.0
6.4
3.0
0.4
5.9
Daily Mean ° C
2.3
4.7
7.0
10.2 13.4 15.9 18.5 18.4 15.7 10.8
6.1
3.1
10.5
Extreme Maximum ° C
18.3 20.6 24.5 32.2 34.5 36.7 37.8 36.1 36.5 27.8 21.1 19.0
Extreme Minimum ° C
-20.6 -16.7 -14.4 -6.1
8.1
10.7 12.5 12.2
3.3
2.8
9.6
-1.7
1.1
-2.8
4.2
12.2 39.5 38.9 10.7
-7.2 -14.4 -21.7
Degree-Days
Above 18° C
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.0
0.0
106.0
Below 18° C
485.4 375.7 340.5 234.1 148.4 76.2 25.1 27.8 78.5 223.0 357.4 460.8 2,832.9
Above 5° C
16.3 31.7 73.6 156.7 258.8 326.0 417.4 414.2 322.1 181.3 56.8 20.6 2,275.4
Below 0° C
28.3
21.5
61.1
Maximum temperature > 0° C
26.6 27.3 30.8 30.0 31.0 30.0 31.0 31.0 30.0 31.0 29.4 28.0
356.2
Precipitation
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Year
Rainfall (mm)
192.1 148.4 164.0 119.1 99.3 92.6 54.3 60.8 82.4 167.2 257.3 242.3 1,680.0
Snow fall (cm)
40.1 16.8
Precipitation (mm)
232.2 165.2 173.2 120.4 99.3 92.6 54.3 60.8 82.4 167.3 268.2 271.8 1,787.8
Extreme Daily Rainfall (mm)
119.6 122.2 113.8 86.6 83.8 70.1 65.3 44.6 85.6 118.9 115.8 122.6
Extreme Daily Snow fall (cm)
59.9 66.0 47.0 15.0
Extreme Daily Precipitation (mm)
119.6 122.2 113.8 86.6 83.8 70.1 65.3 44.6 85.6 118.9 115.8 122.6
7.0
0.0
1.1
9.2
1.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
5.1
10.9 29.5
107.9
66.8 42.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Measurable Rainfall (days)
16.1 15.2 18.5 16.7 15.1 13.8
8.5
8.8
10.0 15.8 20.2 18.6
167.0
Measurable Snow fall (days)
5.8
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
5.0
19.0
Measurable Precipitation (days)
18.8 16.4 19.0 16.7 15.1 13.8
8.5
8.8
10.0 15.8 20.6 20.9
175.0
0.0
Source: Environment Canada, 2006 (Time Period Cover 1971-2000)
10
0.0
3.2
0.0
0.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.9
0.0
0.0
Month-end Snow Cover (cm)
3.2
0.0
0.0
0.04
0.0
1.6
4.0
TRANSPORTATION
Passenger Bus Service
Scheduled inter-city bus services are provided by
Chilliwack provides a thorough transportation
Grey Hound Bus Lines reinforcing Chilliwack’s
network by road, rail, air and sea. Most of the
position as one of the major stops in its BC/Canada
following information focuses on private and public
network.
transportation. Shipping information is listed at the
For local transit, the municipality operates four
end of this section.
full-size buses. It has seven routes, and runs from
Monday through Sunday. Riderships average 280,000
By Road
Many people in Canada consider a car an essential
part of life — and it’s no different in Chilliwack. Most
people commute around town and in between towns
with their own vehicle via a combination of urban and
rural roads and via the main Trans Canada Highway
“paid passengers” per year and are expected to increase
with population growth and improved services.
Taxi and Special Transportation
One limousine service and four taxi companies
serve Chilliwack and the surrounding areas.
(which connects to Vancouver, the USA and the
Also the Lion’s Club (with their Easter Seal Buses
Pacific Northwest).
for the Handicapped) offers door-to-door transporta-
Chilliwack is divided into two main areas:
tion for wheelchair passengers and others unable to
Chilliwack Proper (north of the Trans Canada
use public transportation within and outside the
Highway) and Sardis-Vedder (south of the Trans
municipality.
Canada Highway). The two areas are connected by
In addition, Chilliwack Community Services, a non-
several Highway Overpasses (which include freeway
entrances). In the main urban area, the principal northsouth axis route is Yale/Vedder Roads. This same road
also connects with the Columbia Valley Highway
(where Cultus Lake and other resorts are located) and
profit social service agency, offers “Handy DART”
service. This local door-to-door transportation service,
funded by BC Transit and the local government, is
available every weekday.
Chilliwack Lake Road.
Distance and Travel Time from Chilliwack
Origin
Chilliwack
Destination
US Border (at Sumas)
Abbotsford Airport
Seattle
Penticton
Kelowna (via Coquihalla)
Vancouver
Surrey
Langley
Time
30 minutes
30 minutes
2.3 Hours
3.5 Hours
3.3 Hours
1.1 Hours
45 Minutes
40 minutes
34 km
34 km
214 km
287 km
286 km
108 km
78 km
63 km
Distance
21 miles
21 miles
133 miles
178 miles
178 miles
67 miles
48 miles
39 miles
Source: mytelus.com
11
By Air
For those wishing to charter an airplane, Chilliwack
weather, radar, etc.
• Fuel System: for small aircraft and Jet B fuel for
is home to a 130-acre airport right next to the heart of
turbine and jet engine aircraft and helicopters. It
the City. Although the airport is capable of handling
also offers Jet Fuel and Avgas (100 LL). Available
heavy aircraft such as the RCAF Hercules, most airline
24 hours a day. Chilliwack’s fuel prices are among
traffic from this airport is small craft for personal,
the lowest in BC.
private or tourism uses. For air travel to major western
• Air Services: via four helicopter companies. All the
Canadian cities, most people take flights out of
companies offer Executive Helicopter Service. In
Abbotsford International Airport (about a 25-minute
addition, there are two charter plane companies
drive from Chilliwack) or Vancouver International
based at the airport. Note that the airport is home
Airport (about 90 minutes from Chilliwack). (More
to approximately 75 private and commercial
information on these two airports follow).
aircraft. A hangar development is currently
Chilliwack Airport
underway which will accommodate another 13
aircraft.
Chilliwack Municipal Airport is relatively close to
downtown Chilliwack, a variety of restaurants and full
hotel amenities. It is also within easy access to the Trans
Canada Highway.
The airport services an estimated 60,000 in annual air
Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)
The Abbotsford International Airport offers air
transportation to several major northwest destinations
with connections to North America and Europe. Some
traffic movements, and welcomes both pilot training and
of the more regular flights are indicated in the chart
recreational flights from all around BC and south of the
below.
border. Some of the Airport’s amenities include:
•
Terminal Building: designed to accommodate aircraft
with up to 19 passengers. This modern building
houses the airport administration, a restaurant and
two chartered flight companies: Principal Air (100%
passenger); and, Air Southwest (freight and
passenger).
•
Airport
Aircraft
Operations
Abbotsford
(YXX)
14
Enplaned
Passengrs
Drive time
to
186,741 30 minutes
Source: Abbotsford International Airport, 2005
4,000 ft. Paved Runway: designed to take very heavy
aircraft, including the RCAF Hercules. The airport
classification is a B-2 rating, which will accommodate
Regular Weekly Flights
from Abbotsford
up to a Beechcraft 1900.
•
Parallel Taxiway: complete with lighting.
•
Aircraft Parking: can accommodate up to eight
Airline
Destination
across its 130 acres.
Air Transat Holidays
Airspeed Aviation
Air North
Westjet
Puerta Vallarta
Victoria
Las Vegas
Calgary, Toronto
24 hour Flight Services: via Abbotsford Airport
Source: Abbotsford International Airport, 2005
transient aircraft on concrete/hard surface, plus
additional transient aircraft on a level grass surface
•
(which is within 30 km). Flight services provide
12
Flights Seats
1
10
2
42
136
6
120
120
Abbotsford International Airport
Hub Status
Location
Hours of Operation - Flight Service:
Hours of Operation - Tower:
No. of Runways
Runway Lengths
Helicopter Pad
Flight Schools
Carriers Serving Airport
Passenger /Charter
Air Cargo
Total Daily Non-Stops to all cities served
International
28 miles from Chilliwack
24 hours
16 hours
2
8,000 feet and 5,271 feet
Yes
Yes (3)
Westjet, Air North, Airspeed
Westjet
52
The Abbotsford airport offers the following
For more information, contact the Abbotsford
amenities:
International Airport at 604-855-1001 or
• Two Operational Runways: runway 07/25
www.abbotsfordairport.ca.
(8,000 ft x 200 ft) and runway 01/19 (5,271 ft x
200 ft). Runway 07/25 is instrument equipped
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
and capable of handling the largest commercial
The Vancouver International Airport is second only to
aircraft.
Los Angeles International Airport for international air
• Aircraft Parking: plenty of available transient
passenger volume on the Pacific coast of North America,
aircraft parking capacity including Apron 1,
handling over seven million international passengers each
which parallels almost the entire length of
year, out of a total volume of 15 million. The Airport
Runway 01/19, and Taxiway D (5,200 ft x 200
ft) can also be utilized for aircraft parking when operates more than 800 scheduled departures per week to
55 international USA destinations. Nearly all major
necessary.
• Services: a broad range of aviation services and airlines are represented with regional carriers providing
facilities including a regional Transport Canada approximately 200 daily flights from 32 destinations
service centre, NavCanada air traffic control
throughout the province.
tower (16 hours per day) and Flight Services
The Vancouver International Airport is approximately
Station (24 hours per day), aircraft refueling
110 km or approximately 90 minutes from Chilliwack.
and ground handling, aircraft
maintenance/overhaul and flight training.
Drive
Aircraft Enplaned
• Maintenance: a well-established aircraft
Time to
Airport
Operations Passengers
maintenance and overhaul company (Cascade
Chilliwack
Aerospace) specializing in Boeing 737, Boeing
Vancouver (YVR)
757 and DeHavilland Dash 8 aircraft, has
International
322,949
8.2M
1.5 Hours
opened a new $50M, 250,000 sq.ft. facility.
Source: Vancouver International Airport, 2006
13
Vancouver International Airport
Hub Status
Location
Hours of Operation
Number of Runways
Runway Lengths
Helicopter Pad
Helicopter Companies Serving Airport
Passenger
Charter
Air Cargo
Carriers Serving Airport
Passenger
Charter
Air Cargo
Approved Capital Expansion Plan
Total Daily Non-Stops to all cities served
International
63 miles from Chilliwack
24
3
9,900 feet, 11,800 feet and 7,300 feet
Helijet
1
7
See Charter
55
23
5
Yes
325 (inbound/outbound flights + 9 chartered
inbound and outbound flights)
Daily Non-Stops
Flights to Four Largest Cities Served
Los Angeles
91
London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead, Luton) 33
Mexico City, Mexico
14
New York, New York, USA
14
Seoul, South Korea
16
Tokyo, Japan
16
Source: Vancouver International Airport, 2006
By Rail
Passenger Rail Travel
British Columbia offers some of the best passenger
rail routes in North America. Bookings for passenger
travel can be made through Via Rail or the Rocky
Mountaineer. The main terminals for these railways are
located in Vancouver.
By Sea
Although Chilliwack lies along the mighty Fraser
River — nearly 1,600 kilometers long (1,000 miles) — it
is no longer our main system for transporting passengers
and freight. The Fraser now serves mostly as a waterway
for tourism and recreation, such as with Starline Tours’
Paddlewheelers which runs tours between New
Westminster and Harrison Hot Springs in the summer
months.
14
Transportation to Vancouver Island and the
surrounding islands is provided by BC Ferries. There are
two main ferry terminals: one at Tsawwassen (Delta area)
and the other at Horseshoe Bay (North Vancouver) –
both terminals are about 1.5 hours from Chilliwack. The
major ferries take passengers, vehicles, buses and heavyduty trucks. For more information on schedules, rates
and routes, contact www.bcferries.bc.ca.
There are also a number of cruise ships which depart
Vancouver for northern and southern destinations along
the Pacific Coast. For more information, contact
Tourism BC or your local travel agent.
Shipping
Shipping by Road
Shipping is available in a variety of forms. The
most common form of shipping for small regional
packages is via courier. There are about 15 courier
companies serving Chilliwack (including Grey Hound
Bus Lines, Purolator Courier, UPS, Federal Express,
and Priority Courier (operated by Canada Post).
For larger shipments, trucks serve most
destinations. In British Columbia, trucks move over
$5.5B (US) worth of goods and product to the United
States each year. There are over 240,000 truck
shipments heading south each year, equivalent to a
truck every 2.2 minutes. Annually, another 300,000
shipments head north to British Columbia from the
United States.
There are about 60 national and local trucking
firms operating in Chilliwack. Their services range
from moving, gravel hauling and general goods
shipment. There are 19 common carriers and 14 local
terminals serving Chilliwack.
Because Chilliwack has no municipal tax on fuel,
the city has been a favourite stop for trucks enroute to
Greater Vancouver. Along the Trans Canada Highway,
there are two fully equipped truck stops and two card
locks, which have been benefiting from the growing
truck traffic on the highway. A new electronic
computerized brake testing facility (Valley Brake Rite)
further enhances the strategic location of Chilliwack to
the regional trucking industry.
Shipping by Air
Shipments overseas can also be handled via
shipping or courier companies that operate out of
Vancouver International Airport.
from the East by CN Rail, which are subsequently
redistributed by Southern Railway of BC to
destinations in southern BC, or to Sumas for reshipment by Burlington Northern to US destinations.
CN Railway (Chilliwack)
CN Railway has a main line with double tracks
crossing the City from east to west, totaling 11 km. It
has an interchange point with Southern Railway of BC
in Chilliwack Proper, supported by two sidings and a
ramp track.
Southern Railway of BC
Southern Railway of British Columbia (SRY), in
operation since 1897, is a short line railway that
physically connects with the Canadian National
Railway tracks in Chilliwack and handles over 55,000
revenue carloads of freight annually. SRY also has
interline connections with BNSF, Canadian Pacific,
Union Pacific and BC Rail, enabling plenty of
competition from the long haul carriers plus
customized service provided by a “neutral” serviceoriented, locally managed railway.
Shipping by Sea
Overseas shipments such as wood products and
special manufactured products (which are not handled
by air) are delivered to the Port of Vancouver (which is
about 100 km from Chilliwack). The Port of
Vancouver handles between 60 and 70 million metric
tonnes of cargo and trades with more than 90
economies. This makes the Port of Vancouver one of
the busiest ports in North America.
Shipping Rates
Shipping by Rail
Chilliwack is a major interchange point between
CN Railway and Southern Railway of BC. Much of the
traffic in this area is comprised of loaded cars hauled
Although some may recognize a slightly higher
cost for transportation and shipping from Chilliwack
to Vancouver, the savings in Chilliwack’s land costs
and other related costs far outweigh any additional
shipping or transportation expense.
15
16
SECTION TWO:
Activities and Amenities
B
Facilities on page 21), outdoor waterslides, go-carts, golf
eautiful British Columbia offers one
and mini-golf, theme parks, horseback riding, and more.
of the highest standards of living in
And for the sports enthusiast, Chilliwack has some of the
the world. This part of the world
best sports fields and facilities in British Columbia plus a
offers the best mix of affordability,
wide array of sports clubs (see Organizations, page 25).
personal safety, clean environment, cultural amenities and
recreational opportunity.
TOURISM AND
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Chilliwack is the ideal region for the outdoor
For those who prefer a more cultured approach,
Chilliwack offers dance, art galleries, symphony, theatre,
museums, cinemas, music festivals, shopping, and a wide
array of dining experiences.
A variety of events happen year-round. Just a few of
the major, regular events attract upwards of 90,000
enthusiast and is known as ‘The Great Outside!’. With the
attendees annually. These events include, but are not
nearby wilderness and freshwater lakes and rivers, many
limited to, the following:
people choose to spend their summer days at the beach ...
•
Chilliwack Agricultural Exhibition
swimming, boating, and water skiing. There are also
•
Dixieland Jazz Festival
plenty of walks and hikes to admire the surrounding
•
Flight Fest
natural beauty.
•
First Nations Pow Wow (with dancers from
Year-round adventurers who prefer a slightly more
across North America)
rugged outdoor experience pursue mountain biking,
•
Bluegrass Festival
whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking or fishing. Of course,
•
Santa Claus Parade
in winter, the nearby ski resorts are a great place to ski
downhill or cross-country, snowboard or toboggan.
There are also plenty of activities for the whole family
For events specific to your area of interest, go to the
Tourism Chilliwack site for an up-to-date listing of events
and activities: www.tourismchilliwack.com.
... swimming at the local pools, ice skating (see
17
Major Attractions
Cultus Lake
There are a number of beaches, parks, trails,
campgrounds and resorts in the Cultus Lake area. The
lake is widely used for boating, waterskiing, swimming
two new glass enclosed conservatories. The grounds are
open from April to October, and are frequently host to a
number of activities and events.
Bridal Falls
Bridal Falls Provincial Park provides visitors with a
and camping. Only an hour from Vancouver, this area is a
short hike to one of the Lower Mainland’s most beautiful
highly popular summer tourism destination for visitors
waterfalls. The Bridal Falls area is also home to a family
from throughout the Greater Vancouver area.
dining restaurant, a motel and RV Resorts, and several
Golf
Chilliwack has nine full-sized golf courses plus a
driving range — most provide 18 holes offering a total of
other attractions.
Dinotown Theme Park
This fun-filled theme park at Bridal Falls offers rides
40,000 yards of golfing pleasure. And for fun for the
and entertainment for the whole family. Formerly
entire family, there is Tap-Ins putting course or the theme
Flintstones’ Bedrock City, this park is open May to
attraction, Giggle Ridge Adventure Golf.
September.
Fishing
Waterslides
Fishing in Chilliwack is extremely popular. The Fraser
Chilliwack offers two top-quality water parks. The
River is one of the most productive rivers in North
Trans Canada Waterslides and the Cultus Lake
America for salmon, steelhead, and giant sturgeon. And
Waterslides. Both have yards and yards of twisting,
the Chilliwack and Vedder Rivers are popular spots for
curving, fun-filled slides; a hot tub; picnic area; and snack
trout and coho, steelhead and chinook salmon. For more
bar.
information, see the following website:
www.fishchilliwack.com.
White Water Rafting and Kayaking
People come from all over the world to kayak or raft
Chilliwack Lake
This provincial park is located a little further into the
wilderness than the popular Cultus Lake. This lake is
much larger, but also more tranquil. The provincial
BC’s raging rivers, including the Fraser, Thompson and
campground is located at the northern tip of the lake.
Chilliwack Rivers. There are several rafting companies
Many excellent hikes are available in this area.
that offer guided tours and some white water kayaking
schools if you seek a greater challenge.
Minter Gardens
Minter Gardens is a 32-acre show garden of floral
artistry. Visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll along gently
winding pathways through 11 theme gardens. Visitors will
also enjoy the aviaries, beautiful waterfalls, ponds, and a
children’s play area. To add to the enjoyment of the
gardens are two restaurants and a BC VQA Wine Store.
For wedding receptions and conferences, there are
18
Skiing
The two closest ski hills to Chilliwack are Hemlock
(located in the District of Kent on the north side of the
Fraser River) and Manning Park (located east of Hope).
Both ski hills are about 1 to 1.5 hours drive from
Chilliwack. Also relatively close is Mt. Baker in
Washington State. It is also about 1.5 hours from
Chilliwack.
World-class Resort
One of the most popular resorts in the Lower Mainland is
Harrison Hot Springs Resort (located almost directly north
of Chilliwack, on the other side of the Fraser River). This
high-class resort is home to a number of conventions and
events each year.
City Parks, Sports Fields & Trails
W as hroom s
C hange R oom s
S o c c e r F ie ld s
B a ll F ie ld s
T e n n is C o u r ts
B a s k e tb a ll C o u r ts
B a ll H o c k e y P a d
P la y g r o u n d A r e a
P ic n ic S h e lte r
Lands c aped A rea
E q u e s tr ia n A r e a
F is h in g
Pond
S k a te b o a r d A r e a
T r a il
K io s k
P a r k in g
B o o k in g In fo
This is not a comprehensive list of the city's park facilities. For specific detailed information
on the city's parks, contact the City of Chilliwack: Parks and Recreation Department.
Soccer Fields
Gw ynne-Vaughn Park
Island 22
Portage Park
Promontory Park West
Mt. Thom
Salish Park
Sardis Park
Yarrow Central
Yarrrow Community
Walden Street
Great Blue Heron NR
Sports Fields
Alchekitz
Chw k Track & Field
Exhibition Park
FG Leary
Fairfield Island
Meadow brook Park
Rosedale Park
Sardis Sportsfield
Tow nsend Park
Watson Glen Park
Yarrow Sportsfield
Hiking/Biking Trails
Old Yale Yarrow Trail
Luckakuck Trail
HopeRiver Trail
City Parks
The City of Chilliwack has over 80 parks
which together make up over 139 hectares of
green space. Parks vary in equipment and services.
Most of the Community Parks and smaller parks
have playgrounds, picnic tables, basketball courts,
hockey nets or tennis courts. Some parks, such as
the popular Island 22, also have camping facilities.
Sports Fields
Looking to play football, soccer, baseball or
some other field sport? Chilliwack is one of the
best places for field sports in the whole Lower
Mainland region.
Within the City of Chilliwack there are 11
public Sportsfield Complexes. School District
playing fields are also open to the public. This
brings the total number of ball fields to 78 and
soccer pitches to 62.
Cycling and Hiking Trails
There are several enjoyable trails within the
City of Chilliwack. Some of the more popular are
Heritage Wagon Trail (1 km long); scenic Hope
River Trail (6.2 km long); Luckakuck Trail (1 km
nature walk along the Luckakuck Creek); Mount
Thom (this pedestrian and equestrian trail offers a
100 meter climb to the Mount Thom Summit
lookout); Rotary Vedder River Trail (15.5 km long
scenic trail is great for running, biking, walking
and horseback riding, or access to some of the
best fishing spots in the Valley); and, Trans
Canada Trail that makes its way through every
province and territory.
Shopping
Chilliwack offers a wide array of shopping
options. In addition to numerous major retail
operations and countless individual boutiques,
there is Cottonwood Mall, Chilliwack Mall, Salish
Plaza Southgate Shopping Centre, Centre Point
Plaza, and City Gate Square.
Mount Thom
Rotary Vedder River
Trans Canada Trail
Note: A map show ing the locations of some main parks, campgraounds, and other facilities is located on the
next page. Contact Tourism Chilliw ack for a more comprehensive map.
19
20
FACILITIES
Dining
There are over 100 restaurants in the Chilliwack area,
offering a variety of dining experiences ... including
Accommodations
The City of Chilliwack is home to 14 motels and
Greek, Japanese, Thai, Ukrainian, Chinese, French,
Italian, German, Vietnamese, and more. There are a
hotels (offering a total of 617 rooms), and several RV
number of major restaurant chains including fast-food,
parks and bed-and-breakfast establishments. Additional
family restaurants, casual dining, as well as fine dining
accommodation facilities are available in nearby
establishments.
communities such as Bridal Falls and Cultus Lake. There
are also about 2000 camping sites in and near Chilliwack
Entertainment
(including provincial and private campgrounds).
Chilliwack has two movie theatres: Cottonwood 4
The following charts outline accommodation
Cinemas and the Paramount Theatre. The Chilliwack
inventory. For more information, such as number of
Community Arts Council, Chilliwack Player’s Guild and
visitors and annual revenues, see Tourism under
the University College of the Fraser Valley Theatre
Economics, page 51.
Department put on a number of live theatre shows and
musical events. Chilliwack also has its own symphony
orchestra. For evening fun for adults, Chilliwack is home
to several nightclubs, pubs and sports bars. And for the
kids, there are some activity centres and theme parks.
Recreational Facilities
Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre
The Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre is a first-class
aquatic facility that opened in the summer of 2002. It is
built on the old Exhibition Grounds (a 38-acre site). This
Chilliwack Hotel and Motel Inventory
HOTEL
Properties
5
Rooms
384
9
233
14
617
MOTEL
TOTAL
Source: Tourism Chilliwack Visitor Centre, 2006
facility includes a large family wave pool, a competition
pool and therapeutic pools; a fitness centre (including
weight training equipment, cardiovascular equipment, and
an aerobics studio); and a wellness centre (which offers
physiotherapy services). The facility also has a coffee
shop, pro shop, and meeting rooms. Outdoors, there is a
water playground for children; sports court for basketball
or street hockey; a sand volleyball court; and a skateboard
park.
Regional Accommodation Inventory
Tourism Destination
Chilliwack, Cultus Lake
& Chilliwack Lake
Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, & Harrison Mills
Hope
Abbotsford
Mission
Aldergrove, Langley
TOTAL
Fixed-Roof Accom.
# of rooms
RV Park / Campground
Provincial
Private
617
505
388
475
128
769
442
199
201
0
64
0
621
535
424
150
0
440
2,882
906
2,170
Time to
Destination
5-15 minutes
30-60 minutes
20-30 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
40 minutes
60 minutes
Source: BC Approved Accommodation Guide, 2003
21
Cheam Community Centre & Pool
The Cheam Community Centre (currently operated by
Twin Rinks Arena
Twin Rinks Arena has two rinks with an ice surface
the Chilliwack Family YMCA) is a unique recreation
(85’ x 200’) open for 10 months of the year (from July to
complex that offers a variety of activities and programs
May); the floor is dry from mid-May to mid-July. The
for community residents. The complex includes squash
rinks are used for ice skating, hockey, ball hockey,
and racquetball courts, a weight training room, fitness
lacrosse, rollerblading and more. The seating capacity in
equipment, double gymnasium, 25-metre swimming pool,
the bleachers by rink one is 528 and by rink two is 175.
sauna, and meeting and multi-purpose rooms.
Chilliwack YMCA
This facility includes ... an indoor family pool, a
shallow children’s pool and a whirlpool; an outdoor
running track; squash and racquetball courts; exercise
room (including super circuit, cardio equipment and
weight room); a play room, a multipurpose room and a
meeting room.
Rotary Outdoor Pool
This outdoor pool, open from May to September,
offers public swimming, swimming lessons, aqua fit
Special Event Facilities
Chilliwack Heritage Park
Chilliwack Heritage Park is a new recreation and trade
show facility constructed to replace the old Exhibition
Park near the city centre (see next segment). This 65-acre
fairground is home to a 150,000 sq.ft. facility, which is
used as a trade show building, racetrack (enclosing a
rodeo arena), and two show rings for horses.
Chilliwack Heritage Park hosts equestrian
competitions, agricultural events and trade shows, such as
the Fraser Valley Chariot and Chuck Wagon Association
programs, seniors’ programs and much more.
and the Chilliwack Riding Club’s events (i.e.: chuckwagon
Multiplex Arena - Prospera Centre
roping and penning). The fairground is also used for
Construction on the new multiplex arena for
Chilliwack is now complete. The Prospera Centre was the
next phase in the redevelopment of The Landing, a 37acre property where the City opened a new Leisure
Centre and outdoor sports areas during 2002.
The Prospera Centre is the new home to the
Chilliwack Bruins Western Hockey League team. It
includes a main arena with a capacity of 5,700 seats. A
second arena for community use has 300 seats.
The multiplex arena hosts major sporting events and
concerts in Chilliwack, attracts visitors and creates jobs.
and pony races, gymkhana events, barrel racing, cattle
outdoor shows and concerts. The facility is used yearround.
Chilliwack Exhibition Park
The Chilliwack Exhibition Park was the home of
Chilliwack’s Agricultural Fair for many years, but in 2001
it moved to the new Chilliwack Heritage Park, south of
the Trans Canada Highway (see previous segment).
However, the old exhibition grounds remain an
important part of Chilliwack. These grounds are still
home to the Ag/Rec Centre, Prospera Centre, Evergreen
Hall, the Curling Rink and the Grandstand (with a 2,500
seating capacity), and Chilliwack Landing Leisure Center.
22
Ag-Rec Centre
This is a multiple-use building, and at different times
Seniors Centres
Chilliwack Seniors Recreation Centre is the main
of the year it hosts indoor tennis, ball hockey, craft fairs,
senior’s activity centre. It is host to a number of activities,
dances, recreation sports, trade shows and meetings.
including bingo, duplicate bridge, carpet bowling, whist,
The main floor area is suitable for horse shows, cattle
crib, tai chi, table tennis, line dancing, pool, shuffleboard
auctions, banquets, dances, tennis (four courts) trade
and curling games and pot luck dinners. Coffee and light
shows and sporting activities (capacity: 1872; bleachers:
lunches are available. For more information, contact 604-
500). The loft is suitable for banquets, dances and
792-4549.
meetings (capacity: 250-300).
Community Arts Centre
The Community Arts Centre is home to a number of
theatre, music and other arts-oriented events. This facility
has a 339-seat theatre; a 180-seat banquet room; a 90-seat
lounge; as well as numerous meeting rooms available to
the public.
Community Halls
Evergreen Hall, located on the old Exhibition
Grounds, is Chilliwack’s unofficial civic centre. It consists
of a large auditorium and three meeting rooms. It has
been used extensively for sporting events, wedding
receptions, meetings, banquets, dances and conventions.
It has three main rooms: the Cheam Room and Stage
(capacity: up to 658); the Slesse Room (capacity: up to
99); and the Minto Room (capacity: 30).
Conference and Meeting Facilities
The major hotels, such as the Best Western Rainbow
Country Inn and the Rhombus Hotels and Resorts, offer
a number of small conference and meeting room
facilities. Retreat on the Ridge has a small conference
centre perfect for corporate retreats.
The local Business Development Office (operated by
Community Futures) has meeting rooms available for
small groups. Also most of the other facilities mentioned
previously have meeting rooms.
Larger events can be held at Chilliwack Heritage Park
and Prospera Centre. The RCMP Pacific Region Training
Facility (on the former Canadian Forces Base lands) has
room available for large events or activities.
For more of a resort setting, the Harrison Hot Springs
Resort & Spa (located on the north side of the Fraser
River) has relatively large conference facilities available.
Other Halls
There are also about 15 other halls available for
community-operated events. Contact the City’s Parks and
Recreation department for more information.
23
Libraries and Museums
Fraser Valley Regional Library
Chilliwack’s public library is part of the Fraser Valley
Regional Library System. This system is the oldest of its
kind in North America and dates back to 1930. Today,
the library system serves more than half a million people
in a 13,000 square kilometer area and has an extensive
book collection — including over one million hardcover
An important part of the Museum is the Archives,
located at Evergreen Hall (see next segment).
Other museums near the Chilliwack area include the
Agassiz-Harrison Museum, the Atchelitz Threshermen’s
Museum, the Historic Yale and the Kilby Store & Farm
(Harrison Mills), and Xá:Ytem Longhouse Interpretive
Centre (Mission).
Archives
The Archives, though located at Evergreen Hall, is an
and paperback books, videos, newspapers and magazines,
important part of the Chilliwack Museum’s operation.
telephone and business directories, reference materials on
Since 1958, Chilliwack Archives have been collecting
CD-ROM, government reports, maps and pamphlets,
objects and records related to the history of the
vehicle repair manuals, large print books, language kits,
Chilliwack area. Communities represented in the
books in other languages, audio books, legal guides,
collection include Chilliwack, Sardis, Rosedale, Yarrow,
encyclopedias, sound print materials and medical and
Greendale, Columbia Valley, Chilliwack River Valley,
consumer information. For more information, contact
Popkum, Cheam, East Chilliwack, Ryder Lake,
www.fvrl.bc.ca.
Promontory, Cultus Lake, Camp River and Fairfield
University College of the Fraser Valley
The library at the University College of the Fraser
Valley allows public borrowing. It offers the same types
of information as the Fraser Valley Regional Library, but
will have different source materials. Like the Fraser Valley
Regional Library, the UCFV library has access to
materials from its other branches in Abbotsford, Mission,
Hope, and Agassiz.
Museums
The Chilliwack Museum is located in the former City
Island.
The Archives contains a significant collection of
photographs (over 20,000) and maps, oral histories,
numerous records from individuals, families, clubs,
businesses, churches, schools and community
organizations and municipal government records dating
from the incorporation of the Township of Chilliwhack
in 1873. It also includes original and microfilmed copies
of The Chilliwack Progress dating from 1891 to the present.
It also includes an object collection of Sto:lo First
Nations material and numerous other objects dating from
Hall, a national historic building (which has been
the 1860s to the present. Staff is continuously adding to
renovated to meet the environmental standards required
the collection.
for museum operation). The Museum exhibits mainly
Fraser Valley settlement history.
The Museum, operated by the Chilliwack Museum
and Historical Society, also conducts programs to
promote public awareness of local history, including talks
and guided tours of historical land marks and buildings.
For more information, see their website:
www.chilliwack.museum.bc.ca.
24
ORGANIZATIONS
Community and Social Organizations
Chilliwack Community Services is the City’s main
social services organization. This organization is dedicated
to helping members of our community through the
provision of social programs or through advocacy and
referral. Programs typically address the needs of
individuals, families, youth, elderly, disabled, immigrants,
and victims.
The Chilliwack Family YMCA is also a main
community social organization. This registered charity is a
fellowship of members, volunteers and staff committed
to the growth of people in “Spirit, Mind and Body.”
Through its programs and services, the Chilliwack Family
YMCA encourages the development of individual, family
and community life.
There is also the Chimo Family Resource Centre
(Chimo FRC), which is a charitable, non-profit
organization whose purpose is to be responsive to
community needs, promoting conditions that foster the
social and emotional well being of families.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Other social organizations include:
United Way of the Fraser Valley
Lions Clubs
Rotary Clubs
Boy Scouts of Canada/Girl Guides Canada
Royal Canadian Legion
Air Cadets
Army Cadets
Kiwanis Clubs
Big Brothers/Sisters
The Youth Commission
Religious Organizations
There are more than 70 religious institutions in
Chilliwack, representing numerous denominations,
including:
• Anglican Church of Canada
• Apostolic
• Baptist
• Catholic
• Charismatic
• Christian
• Christian and Missionary Alliance
• Christian Reformed
• Church of Christ
• Church of God
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
• Church of the Nazarene
• Community Churches
• Evangelical
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Gospel
Inter-Denominational
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Lutheran
Mennonite
Non-Denominational
Orthodox
Pentecostal
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
Presbyterian
Reformed Church
Seventh-Day Adventist
United Church of Canada
As the community grows and the multi-cultural
element increases, so do other religious sects, including
Islamic, Baha’i, and Asian institutions.
Sports Organizations
There are approximately 77 sports clubs in the city.
They organize a variety of sports for people of all physical
levels and diverse interests. Some types of sports
organizations include:
• Bowling
• Court Games (i.e.: Tennis, Basketball, etc.)
• Football
• Golf (9 courses)
• Gymnastics
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Martial Arts
• Rugby
• Running, Cycling, etc.
25
•
•
•
•
•
Skating
Softball/Baseball
Soccer
Swimming
Other Sports (i.e.: rowing, curling, archery)
Outdoor Organizations
Outdoor activities are a vital part of life in Chilliwack.
Numerous organizations are available for those wishing
to join a club. The types of outdoor organizations are as
follows:
• Boating
• Canoeing
• Cycling
• Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing
• Fish and Game
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Naturalists
• Rock Climbing
• Sailing
• Whitewater River Rafting
Arts Clubs
The main arts resource in Chilliwack is the Chilliwack
Community Arts Council. The Arts Council is an
umbrella organization whose purpose is to enrich the
quality of life for the residents of Chilliwack through the
effective use of resources and volunteers to encourage
education and participation in the Arts.
The Chilliwack Community Arts Council owns and
operates the Community Arts Centre and produces a
variety of programs and courses including the Christmas
Craft Market and the Chilliwack Bluegrass Festival. The
Chilliwack Arts Council supports the following types of
arts clubs:
• Crafts
• Dance
• Drama
• Painting and Drawing
• Weaving
• Woodcarving
26
Music
The Chilliwack Academy of Music is a non-profit
society devoted to fostering interest and participation in
music. It is headquartered in Downtown Chilliwack and
delivers a number of year-round programs and classes for
all ages in a variety of disciplines.
• Band
• Classical
• Choir and Chorus
• Jazz
• Opera and Symphony
Senior’s Organizations
There are over 18 senior’s organizations within the
City of Chilliwack. The main organization is the Seniors
Resource Bureau (604-858-9898), which is a non-profit
organization formed to establish and run programs and
services for the seniors in the Chilliwack area. Volunteers
help seniors find the services or programs they need to
maintain a healthy, independent lifestyle. These may
include housing, transportation, social or recreational
programs.
Other Organizations
There is an organization for almost any type of
interest. Some of these areas include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Agriculture
Amateur Radio
Aviation
Camera
Canine and other Animals
Cars
Computer
Garden and Flowers
Horse
Motorcycle
Museum and Historical Society
Political
Singles
Toastmasters
• Women’s Association
• Youth
EDUCATION
language, art and physical education. In addition to basic
curriculum and the specialty programs listed above,
Chilliwack School Board
school curriculums at the secondary level also include
There are about 12,100 school-age children within the
Computer (Java Programming; Microsoft Engineering;
City of Chilliwack (2004). More than 1,475 teachers,
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer; University Level
support staff and administrators work at the Chilliwack
Programming; Perl Scripted Program; Cisco; Information
School Board. Of that number about 700 are teachers.
Technology; Computer Animation; CAD; 3-D
This gives a student to teacher ratio of about 17 students
Animation; Graphic Arts; Computer Repair); Office
to every teacher.
Management; Robotics, Drama, Music, Industrial Arts,
There are 22 public elementary schools (K-6), five
Home Economics, an Apprenticeship Program, and
middle schools (7-9), and two secondary (10-12). (There
Career Preparation.
are also 10 local private schools outside of the school
French Immersion is offered at two elementary
district’s jurisdiction). The Chilliwack School District also
schools (Sardis Elementary and Strathcona Elementary); a
offers four alternate programs: the Education Centre
late French Immersion Program which begins in grade 6
(which provides programs for secondary students), Sto:lo
is also available. French Immersion continues in grades 7-
Alternate School, CHANCE Alternate School, and the
9 at Chilliwack Middle and Vedder Middle Schools, and
Fraser Valley Distance Education Centre.
for grades 10-12 at Sardis Secondary. For more
Each child has access to full educational facilities with
information, contact the School District’s website:
a standard liberal education, such as reading, writing,
www.sd33.bc.ca or call 604-792-1321.
mathematics, social studies, science, literature,
Elementary & Secondary Education within Chilliwack
Name of Institution
PUBLIC
(School District #33)
#of Elementary
Schools
# of Secondary
Schools
# of Additional
Programs
Enrollment
22
7
4
13,171
Types of Programs: In addition to basic curriculum, programming includes Computer (Java
Programming, Microsoft Engineering; University Level Programming; Cisco Systems; Information
Technology; Computer Animation; CAD; 3-D Animation; Graphic Arts); Office Management;
Robotics; French Immersion; Fine Arts; Career Preparation, etc.
Source: Chilliwack School District #33, 2006
PRIVATE
10
3*
1
1,964
*This number is not in addition to the number of elementary schools. There are 3 schools
which provide programming from K-12.
Types of Programs:
In addition to basic curriculum, education is tailored to particular
school format: Christian, Catholic, or Specialty school.
Source: Government of BC, Ministry of Education, 2006
27
Other Schools
School Bus Service
Bus service is provided for elementary students who
Chilliwack is home to about 10 private schools. These
live at least 4 kilometers from school and for middle and
schools generally provide the standard curriculum plus a
senior secondary students who live at least 4.8 kilometers
special area of focus (such as a Christian education).
from school. Special provisions are made for kindergarten
Pre-schools and Daycare
and special needs students.
There are 15 pre-schools and about 70 daycares in
Growth
Chilliwack. For referrals and more specific information,
contact Chilliwack Community Services at 604-792-4267.
With Chilliwack’s growing population, the need for
more classroom space increases annually, with an average
Higher Education
growth rate of between 3% and 4% over the past 10
Chilliwack is home to a world-class post-secondary
years. Three of our newest schools are Evans Elementary,
Promontory Heights Community School, and a new
educational facility: the University College of the Fraser
middle / high school scheduled to open in 2006.
Valley (UCFV). This university offers specialized training
In the last several years, some of our most recent
in agriculture, business, technology, and trades (See chart
additions or improvements include: G.W. Graham
on page 29). In addition to academic/credit courses
Secondary School (new), Sardis Secondary School
(which would count towards a Masters, degree, diploma,
(rebuild), Mt. Slesse Middle School (new), Chilliwack
or certificate), UCFV offers a wide variety of programs,
Middle School (renovation), Vedder Middle School
workshops, courses and special events through the
(renovation), and Vedder Elementary School. Of
Continuing Education division.
interesting note, Vedder Elementary School is similar in
construction to Unsworth Elementary, which has been
selected by the Ministry of Education, to be a prototype
for future British Columbia elementary schools.
School Attendance (over 15 years old)
Chilliwack
School Attendance
British Columbia
Total
Male
Female
Total
Male
Female
4,678
2,320
2,350
351,640
173,530
178,110
2,980
1,580
1,390
185,830
96,020
89,810
750
355
395
89,940
42,860
47,085
2,875
1,180
1,695
192,775
82,435
110,340
Age group 15-19 attending part time
385
165
225
16,240
7,930
8,310
Age group 20-24 attending part time
370
175
195
31,065
15,060
16,005
Total population 15 years and over
attending school full time
Age group 15-19 attending full time (50)
Age group 20-24 attending full time
Total population 15 years and over
attending school part time
Source: Statistics Canada, 2004
28
Higher Education within Chilliwack
Name of Institution
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
of the FRASER VALLEY
Location/
Distance
Chilliwack
Academic
Programs
Yes
Trade Programs
Enrollment
Yes
10,690*
0 miles*
* Other Locations: Abbotsford, Mission, Hope, Agassiz.
* Enrollment: This amount (10,690) is the estimated full-time equivalent. In actuality, approximately 6,242
students are enrolled in credit programs and 4,448 in Continuing Studies courses among all the locations.
Types of Programs: 80 different diploma, degree, and certificate programs. MASTERS: Arts in Criminal
Justice. DEGREE: Adult Education, Arts, Aviation, Business, Administration, Child and Youth Care, Computer
Information Systems, Criminal Justice, General
Source: University College of the Fraser Valley, Calendar and the Office of Institutional Research and Planning, 2006 (www.ucfv.ca)
SPROTT-SHAW
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Chilliwack
No
Yes
100*
0 miles*
* Other Locations: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Duncan, East Vancouver, Langley, Kamloops, Kelowna,
Nanaimo, New Westminster, Penticton, Surrey, Vernon, Vancouver, and Victoria.
* Enrollment: No estimate for total enrollment of all locations is currently available.
Types of Programs: Business Management, Administration, Health Care, Trades and Degrees
Source: Sprott Shaw Community College, 2006 (www.sprottshaw.com)
Chilliwack
No
Yes
100*
VANCOUVER CAREER
COLLEGE
0 miles*
* Other Locations: Abbotsford, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Kelowna, Surrey, Vancouver, and Victoria. Opening new
campuses across Canada.
* Enrollment: Chilliwack enrollment varies, with a low of 50 and a maximum of 140 students. (Facility size is
limited to 150 students).
Types of Programs: Technical and Trade: Business, Computer, Healthcare, High Tech and Hospitality (some
have transferable credits to universities in Canada and the United States. On-site corporate training is also
available at the Chilliwack campus.
Source: Vancouver Career College, 2006 (www.vancol.com)
Higher Education within Driving Distance
Name of Institution
TRINITY WESTERN
UNIVERSITY
Location/
Distance
Academic
Programs
Trade
Programs
Enrollment
Langley
Yes
No
3,511
39 miles
Types of Programs: Christian university: offers undergraduate degrees in 38 major areas ranging
from Business, Education and Computer Science to Biology and Nursing, and 13 graduate degrees
including Counseling, Psychology, Theology and Administrative Leadership.
Source: Trinity Western University, 2006 (www.twu.ca)
29
Higher Education within Driving Distance
Name of Institution
Location/
Distance
Academic
Programs
Trade
Programs
Enrollment
Burnaby
No
Yes
47,647
BC INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY
60 miles
Types of Programs: Administration, Computer, Electronics, Customer Service, Graphic Arts,
Lab/Medical Technician, Network Administrator, Plastic / Printing Trades, Radiologist, etc.
Source: BC Institute of Technology, 2005 (www.bcit.ca)
Burnaby
60 miles
SIMON FRASER
UNIVERSITY
Yes
No
21,337
Types of Programs: BA, Bsc, Computing Sc., Engineering, Archaeology, Economic Development,
BACrim, BBA, Education, Communications, Psychology, Philosophy, Political Science, Liberal
Studies, etc.
Source: Simon Fraser University, 2005 (www.sfu.ca)
UNIVERSITY OF
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Vancouver
72 miles
Yes
No
43,000
Types of Programs: BA, Bsc, BACrim, BBA, B Planning, Dentistry, Forestry, Human Kinetics,
Journalism, Law, Library, Medicine, Music, Nursing, Occ/Env Hygiene, Pharm, BSocWork, Family
Studies, etc.
Source: University of British Columbia, 2006 (www.ubc.ca)
Growth
The University College of the Fraser Valley has
between 80 and 130. Like most career colleges, these
embarked on a long-term construction program to
institutions provide technical and trade training, including
replace the existing main structures with a new modern
Business, Healthcare, Hospitality and Computers. On-
campus and to increase the capacity to 5,000 full-time
the-job practicum placements and job search assistance
students. Some of their current facilities include a Health
are also available.
Science Building, a Daycare Center, classrooms,
laboratories, and theatre.
There are also a number of private businesses in
Chilliwack and the surrounding area that offer specialized
training programs, such as first aid, driving schools,
Other Post-secondary Schools
There are also two colleges in the community: SprottShaw College and Vancouver Career College. Both these
colleges have campuses in numerous other cities
throughout the Lower Mainland area of British Columbia
(SEE CHART). Enrollments at these colleges vary
30
beauty schools, and more.
HEALTH CARE
pathology. For more information, contact CGH at (604)
795-4141.
In British Columbia, the Ministry of Health is
responsible for providing a sustainable, affordable and
publicly funded health care system.
The health sector in Chilliwack is as diverse as the
government agencies, NGOs, volunteers and private
sector businesses that keep the community well served
and healthy. The sector is responsible for employing
more than 10% of the local workforce while generating
eight percent of all community income.
Fraser Health
Chilliwack Health Care
Hospitals:
Chilliwack General Hospital
No. of Beds
222
No. of Outpatient Clinics
3
No. of Physicians in area
98
No. of Dentists in area
43
Source: Fraser Health, 2006
Abbotsford Health Care
Fraser Health serves the health care needs of
about 1.5 million people from Burnaby to White Rock to
Hospitals:
MSA Hospital
Hope, or one-third of the BC population. For more
No. of Beds
202
No. of Physicians in area
170
Proximity to Chilliwack
30 miles
information, contact www.fraserhealth.ca.
Chilliwack Health Services (CHS)
Chilliwack Health Service has approximately 60
professional and clerical workers on staff. CHS is
Source: Fraser Health, 2006
comprised of three main branches: prevention and early
NOTE: Within a 30 minute drive is MSA Hospital in
intervention, public health protection and community
Abbotsford. This hospital has 202 beds and approximately 170
care facilities licensing. For more information, contact
doctors.
604-702-4900.
Chilliwack General Hospital (CGH)
Chilliwack has a fully functional General Hospital
with about 1,200 employees and approximately 60 general
practitioners and 38 specialists. The hospital has 126
acute care beds and 96 beds in their complex care facility.
In-Patient Services include intensive care, coronary
Public Health
Health Prevention/Early Intervention focuses on the
well being of our communities through promoting
healthy choices and preventing disease.
Services and programs include infant/maternal health,
child health (0-5 years and 5-19), immunization, adult flu
clinics, sexual disease clinic, youth clinic, adult health
care, maternity, medicine, palliative care, psychiatry,
information and education and communicable disease
surgical, subacute and transitional care.
control. For more information, contact (604) 702-4900.
Out-Patient Services include ambulatory day care,
critical care unit, diagnostic imaging, emergency 24/7,
gynecology/urology, healthy heart, diabetes program, IV
Home Health
Professional support is provided for individuals in our
therapy, laboratory services, medical and surgical day care,
community with acute, rehabilitation, chronic or palliative
nutrition counseling, cancer care, physiotherapy, pre-
care needs. Home Health consists of the following:
admission clinic, respiratory clinic and speech/language
31
•
Fraser Health Home Support provides in-home
personal care to people who need assistance with
•
•
Pharmacy Services
The City of Chilliwack has numerous pharmacies
daily living.
throughout the region. Also the hospital provides an
Assisted Living is available for those who are able
outpatient dispensing service to patients receiving
to live independently, but require some regular
chemotherapy, investigation agents, and Home IV
on-site personal support. Funded sites include
Therapy.
The Waverly and The Cascades.
Chilliwack Hospital and Health Care
Foundation
Residential Care facilities that provide 24-hour
complex health care services are available to those
The first community chapter of the Fraser Valley
requiring long-term care and professional support.
Health Care Foundation was established in October 2005
For more information on Home Health programs,
contact (604) 702-4800.
Mental Health and Addictions
Support is provided for individuals who have a
chronic and persistent mental illness or an addiction issue.
to raise funds for Chilliwack General Hospital and
Chilliwack Health Services, ensuring a full continuum of
health services across the community. For more
information or to make a donation, please contact Mel
Folkman, Chair, at 604-792-9311.
For more information, contact (604) 702-4860.
Professional Services
There are about 43 dentists and 68 physicians in
Chilliwack. There are specialists in pediatrics; obstetrics;
gynecology; orthopedics; plastic and cosmetic surgery;
ear, nose and throat; neurology, urology, ophthalmology
and oral surgery; periodontics; orthodontics; etc.
Doctors’ Satellite Clinics
The three satellite clinics were established to provide
SAFETY AND SECURITY
City of Chilliwack Fire Department
The City of Chilliwack Fire Department celebrated its
100th
Anniversary on June 29, 2006. The Chilliwack Fire
Department serves the community through six fire halls,
located in downtown Chilliwack, Sardis, Rosedale,
Greendale, Yarrow and Ryder Lake. The Chilliwack Fire
Department is a composite fire department staffed with
health care after hours and on weekends. An additional
15 career firefighters stationed in Fire Hall # 1, and
purpose is to provide relief for the Emergency Room of
supported by 130 paid-on call (volunteer) firefighters. The
the Hospital.
department is administered by the Fire Chief, two
Laboratory Services
Full laboratory services and outpatient collection
services are available at each acute care site. In addition,
there is a Satellite Outpatient service station located in
Sardis. This station is managed by Chilliwack General
Hospital staff and offers a house call service to patients
Assistant Fire Chiefs and includes both a career Training
Officer and a Fire Prevention Officer. The fire
department responds to over 2000 calls for service
annually and provides a wide range of services including:
Fire Protection Services
•
Fire Suppression - responds to all fires within
the City of Chilliwack, including structure fires,
who are unable to come to the laboratory for their blood
vehicle fires, brush fires and rail or air
work.
transportation emergencies.
•
Emergency Medical Aid – supports the BC
Ambulance Service (BCAS) by responding to
32
•
emergency medical calls including cardiac arrests
multi-family residences and public buildings to
and trauma.
ensure life safety and coordinate building
Motor Vehicle Accidents – provides rescue, fire
upgrades to meet minimum safety codes.
extinguishment, scene safety and assistance to
•
on-scene BCAS personnel at all major
•
Supports the local food bank (Salvation Army).
transportation accidents.
•
Participates in fundraising for charities.
Rescue – provides rescue to persons involved in
•
Participates in community events and parades.
farm, home and industrial accidents, rescues
•
Provides educational bursaries for local students.
persons from elevators and hazardous material
releases.
•
•
Public Service Calls – responds to public calls
•
•
lines down, gas line rupture, assist the RCMP
with the City of Chilliwack. There are three separate
and other agencies and responders.
RCMP facilities in Chilliwack: the Chilliwack Community
Emergency Preparedness – plans, coordinates
Police Department (CPD), the Upper Fraser Valley Area
and responds to disasters or major emergencies
Headquarters Administrative Office, and the RCMP
which threaten our community.
Pacific Region Training Facility.
Fire Inspection Services – BC Fire Code
The City’s CPD provides the community with general
policing services. It includes 54 RCMP members, 1.5
special fire inspections and life safety
Public Service employees, 28 Communications Centre
inspections of all public buildings.
dispatchers, and 37 Municipal employees.
Public Education Services - fire safety lectures
As well as providing police enforcement, our local
to schools, strata groups, employers, seniors
RCMP unit participates in a number of local programs
groups, clubs and associations, and community
and initiatives to better serve our municipality:
groups as requested. Provides information and
• Auxiliary Constable Program.
advice to citizens on fire safety issues as
• Victim Assistance Program.
requested.
• Volunteer operation of the sub-station (CPAC).
Fire Investigation – as mandated by the BC Fire
• Enhanced Crime Protection/Victim Services (CP/VS)
them.
programs and functions.
• Downtown Location for enhanced direct contact of
the RCMP with the community.
Juvenile Fire Setter Program –counsels and
screens young people involved in fire setting
activities.
•
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
enforcement through a system of cyclical and
and origin of all fires and records and reports
•
The community’s police services are provided by the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), under contract
Commissioner’s Office determines the cause
•
Chilliwack RCMP
for carbon monoxide alarms, electric power
Fire Prevention Activities
•
Community Support
Upper Fraser Valley Area Headquarters
Administration for all RCMP in the Chilliwack,
Smoke Alarm Program – partners with local
Agassiz, Hope and Boston Bar areas are managed
business and service clubs to provide free smoke
through the Upper Fraser Valley Area Headquarters. This
alarms to needy home owners.
office includes 42 RCMP, 11 Public Servants, and two
Health and Safety Inspections – in concert with
municipal employees.
the City Bylaw Department and RCMP inspects
33
The Administration Office supplies all administration
for the RCMP and for the following units:
•
Ambulance
Integrated Border Enforcement Team (formerly
Chilliwack’s ambulance service is provided by BC
Customs and Excise): a federal unit who monitor
Ambulance Services (BCAS) and is connected to the 911
activities of our border with the USA at points where
Emergency System. BCAS works under the authority of
there is no crossing and charge individuals
the Emergency Health Services Commission of the
accordingly. This Unit services the following
provincial Ministry of Health Services. The BCAS
communities: Boston Bar, Mission, Chilliwack,
provides emergency pre-hospital treatment and
Hope, Agassiz, Bowen Island, Gibsons, Sechelt,
transportation by ambulance to the public and visitors to
Whistler, Pemberton and Squamish.
BC.
• Criminal Intelligence Section: a federal unit that
In BC, the service now employs about 1,100 full-time
monitors activities of known criminals and criminal
paramedic and dispatch personnel, 2,200 part-time staff,
groups.
and 100 management and support personnel. Service in
• Drug Awareness Coordinator (D.A.R.E.): raises
rural areas is largely provided by part-time staff
money for the DARE program, teaches DARE
paramedics trained to the Emergency Medical Assistant
courses at local schools, teaches DARE course to
(EMA) I level. In urban areas, ambulance stations are
future DARE officers.
staffed by a mix of full-time (EMA II) and part-time
• Forensic Identification Section: assists investigating
officers by attending crime scenes to search for
paramedics. In the major metropolitan areas Advanced
Life Support (ALS) paramedic service is available.
evidence (i.e.: fingerprints, footwear impressions, etc.)
• Major Crime Unit: assists with the investigation of
serious crimes, i.e. murder.
• Police Dog Services: assists investigators in the
apprehension of fleeing suspects, etc.
Emergency Telephone Service: 911
All telephoned requests for ambulance service are
directed to one of three regional dispatch centres, which
provide call-taking and call assessment services, as well as
• Reconstructionist/Analyst: aids investigators with an
communications links which facilitate contact with, and
in-depth investigation into the cause of a traffic
the dispatch of, ground ambulances. If an air ambulance
collision, speed of the vehicles involved, etc.
is requested, the regional dispatch centre will put the
• Highway Patrol: patrols and enforces traffic laws on
the Trans Canada Highway as well as attend to any
caller into contact with the Provincial Air Ambulance
Coordination Centre in Victoria.
complaints and traffic collisions.
Response Times
RCMP Pacific Region Training Centre
The RCMP also has a Pacific Region Training Centre
Response times in metropolitan areas are measured
against a standard of less than eight minutes for the most
located in Chilliwack (on the former Canadian Forces
urgent calls. Response times in rural areas are
Base lands). This training centre provides in-service
predominately determined by the distance traveled to an
training to RCMP members and other police services in
accident scene.
BC and the Yukon. The facility is also used by other
government agencies for law enforcement related
training. At this facility, there are 14 RCMP members and
11 Public Servants.
34
For more information, go to their website:
www.hlth.gov.bc.ca/bcas.
MEDIA
Cable Television
Chilliwack provides all the cable television services of
a major centre. The local cable provider (Shaw Cable)
Radio
Roger Media – Star FM
• Star FM 98.3 / Country 107.1
broadcasts from about 30 channels (basic cable) up to
200+ channels. The community also has one local
broadcasting station (Channel 4), which hosts local
community information. Also a number of FM stations
are broadcast over cable service to provide maximum
auditory quality.
Like all other utilities, cable TV has been under great
pressure to expand with the growing population size and
number of new urban communities. Except for some
hillside/upland locations, cable services are available to
the entire municipality. However, with the growing
popularity of satellite services, cable service in the upland
areas is less of a priority for most residents.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Chilliwack has been a base for many financial
institutions which serve the Upper Fraser Valley
communities. Its rapid population growth has attracted
virtually all major financial institutions. Chief
developments in the last few years include new branches
for Prospera Credit Union, enVision Credit Union and
TD Canada Trust. Newcomers since 1995 are Vancouver
City Savings Credit Union, Village Credit Union, Coast
Capital Savings and Royal Bank Vedder Branch.
In brief, nearly all chartered banks are represented and
there are a host of other financial and investment
Newspapers
institutions to complete the spectrum of financial-
Chilliwack Progress
investment services in Chilliwack. (More information is
• local paper
available under Economic Sectors).
• published weekly (Tuesdays, Fridays
and Sundays)
Chilliwack Times
• free local paper
• published weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays)
Real Estate Weekly
• free local real estate advertiser
• published weekly (Saturdays)
Real Estate Review
• free local real estate advertiser
• published weekly (Fridays) courtesy of the Chilliwack
Progress
Other newspapers which can be obtained in
Chilliwack are...
• The Vancouver Sun (BC-based newspaper)
• The Province (BC-based newspaper)
• Globe & Mail (national newspaper)
• National Post (national newspaper)
• West Coast Farmer (BC-based newspaper)
Other Financial Institutions
Farm Credit Canada
Farm Credit Canada is a Federal Crown Corporation
and is the largest agricultural term lender in Canada. They
only finance agricultural and related agricultural
businesses. They are not a regular deposit type institution;
they primarily provide mortgages and similar lending
programs. They service all types of agricultural businesses
— small, medium, large ... and even part-time farmers.
They can be contacted through their Abbotsford office at
604-870-2417 or view their website at www.fcc-fac.ca.
Business Development Bank of Canada
The Business Development Bank of Canada is a term
lending and consulting corporation. They complement
the regular financial institutions; they don’t make their
lending decisions based on security, but based on cash
flow and quality management.
35
As such, they specialize in knowledge-based industries.
Their consulting services cover such high-end business
UTILITIES
services as strategic planning, succession planning, ISO
Power
9000, marketing and more. They can be contacted
BC Hydro
through their Langley office at 604-532-5150 or view
Electric power utilities rely on a bountiful source of
their website at www.bdc.ca.
fresh water to produce hydroelectric power. Canada has
an abundant source of fresh water: about 25% of the
Western Economic Diversification
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is a
Crown Corporation whose purpose is to promote the
world’s fresh water supply is located in Canada, and a
third of that water (about 8%) is in British Columbia.
In BC, Hydroelectric power is our most reliable
development and diversification of Western Canada’s
(99.923% to be exact) and biggest source of energy. The
economy. One of their mandates is Business
electricity generated from our water sources supplies a
Development. They are committed to helping Western
fifth of the energy used by BC households, businesses,
Canadian small and medium-sized businesses grow,
diversify and create jobs. One of their points of service is
Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).
Through CFDC, small and medium-sized businesses can
obtain loans as well as help in business planning and
and factories. Excess electric power generated in BC is
exported (via a distribution system) to other provinces
and to the rest of North America.
Currently, BC Hydro (a Provincial Crown
Corporation) serves 94% of all British Columbia’s
development, export or trade development, selling to
residents, including Chilliwack. BC Hydro supplies
government markets, and more. WD also provides the
electricity to the Upper Fraser Valley from two sources.
community with numerous other services. (See the
One source is the Bridge River generating plant west of
Section on Business Support). For more information,
Lillooet which feeds the Rosedale substation along a 360
contact WD at 604-666-6256 or view their website:
kV transmission circuit and continues east to Wahleach
www.wd.gc.ca.
GS. At Rosedale, electricity is transformed for
transmission east to the Fraser Canyon (69kV) and west
to the Fraser Valley (230 kV). The other source, which
carries most
Electricity Rate Comparison (cents/kWh)
Commercial Customer (small)
25
20
15
*Average rate per kWh.
36
Based on consumption of 10,000 kWh per month and 40 kW demand.
Source: BC Hydro 2006
19.77
16.94
11.47
9.2
11.39
H
al
ifa
x,
Sa
N
n
S
Fr
an
ci
sc
o,
C
A
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ew
Yo
rk
,N
Y
Po
rtl
an
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C
hi
lliw
ac
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BC
0
O
R
Ed
m
on
to
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AB
To
ro
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o,
O
N
7.35
5
7.79
10
ELECTRICITY AND GAS RATES
• Sumas Substation expansion
HYDRO RATES
Residential Electricity
Basic Charge/Minimum Charge:
Electricity Rates for Business
Basic Charge:
Minimum Charge:
(2008)
$7.26 for a 2 month period
All kWh: $0.0605 per kWh
Small Power (under 35 kWh fo r 2 mo .)
All kWh:$0.0680 kWh
$12.81 for 2 months
*different rates are available fo r different co nsumptio n uses.
Small Commercial Rate 2
Basic Charge
Gas Rate
Midstream Charge
Delivery Charge
Terasen (formerly BC Gas)
Gas distribution activities are also
GAS RATES
Residential Rate
Basic Charge
Gas Rate
Mimumum Charge
Delivery Charge
• New transmission (60 kV)
connection/rebuild, Clayburn to
Abbotsford and Sumas Way
• New transmission line (60 kV),
Atchelitz to Rosedale (2008)
important. In BC, natural gas from the
Peace River area is transmitted by
$11.12 per month
$9.785 per gigajoule
The Basic Charge
pipeline to consumers in the Lower
Mainland and on Vancouver Island.
The rapid population growth has
entailed new network planning and
improvements to the gas system in
$23.33 per month
Chilliwack. New gas lines have already
been extended to Promontory and
Ryder Lake (a long-term growth
*different rates are available fo r different co nsumptio n uses.
reserve area). There are also plans to
SEE APPENDIX FOR MORE INFORMATION
service Chilliwack Mountain and to
Source: BC Hydro & Terasen Gas, 2006
expand the Eastern Hillsides network
to deal with large scale urban
of the load for the South Fraser Valley, is the 230 kV
development.
substations at McLellen, Clayburn and Atchelitz. The area
is also supplied by a number of 60 kV substations, such as
Chilliwack, Sumas Way, Abbotsford, Balfour, Port Kells,
Cloverdale, White Rock and Surrey.
Currently BC Hydro has no plan to install any new
generation facilities in South Fraser Valley.
BC Hydro’s recent and planned projects in the
Langley/Matsqui/Abbotsford/Chilliwack area include:
• Chilliwack substation rebuild and voltage conversion
(2002)
• Balfour rebuild and voltage conversion (2003)
• Install 230/69 kV transformation at Clayburn (2008)
Water
Chilliwack has been rated among the top for “the best
water quality in Canada.” In 1999, the City implemented a
comprehensive Groundwater Protection Plan (GGP) to
preserve the high quality of the Sardis-Vedder Aquifer,
which is the City’s potable water source. The GPP
integrates water quality monitoring, wellhead protection,
pollution prevention, and public education initiatives.
Residents and businesses in Chilliwack must do their part
to protect this valuable water resource.
• New transmission line (60 kV), Clayburn to Mission
area (2008)
37
Water Production
The city also has a plan to upgrade existing
Rated Capacity:
69.55 million litres per day
Average Daily
Demand:
Peak Demand:
part of Chilliwack Proper, received a new sewer system in
Cost:
Basic Fee of $15.04 for a
basic 20mm service plus
$0.888 CAD per 100 cu.ft.
1997. There is also a plan to provide Chilliwack Mountain
neighbourhoods that are on septic tanks. For instance,
Fairfield Island, a neighbourhood of 3500 in the northern
Water Connection $1,250 CAD or the actual cost
Fee:
of installantion, whichever the
higher (depends on the size of
connection)
and the Cattermole Timber site with a new sewer
development. This latter development will service the
Cattermole development and other industrial and
residential developments north of Highway #1 and south
of Chilliwack Mountain. The City of Chilliwack also has
plans to provide City sewer service to the Watson /
Tyson area (Phase 2), however, this is subject to
The City of Chilliwack is continuously updating and
upgrading its water system. As of 2006, current
availability of funding from senior governments.
The City of Chilliwack continues to improve its
development projects include:
sewage treatment facilities, and promotes recycling in its
• Water line and Reservoir for Marble Hill and Nixon
solid waste management strategy.
Road Developments: the implementation of this
project depends on the pace of development.
• East Chilliwack Transmission Main: this project will
Sewer Treatment
provide water to Mt. Shannon Reservoir which in turn
Rated Capacity:
45.00 (million litres per day)
will provide adequate water supply for future
Average Daily
Demand:
17.55 (million litres per day)
Cost:
Basic Fee of $22.90 plus $1.69
CAD per 100 cu. ft. based on
90% of water used
Sewer Connection
Fee:
$1,675 CAD or the actual cost
of installation, whichever the
higher (depends on the size of
connection)
development in the Chilliwack Proper area.
Sewer
The City of Chilliwack provides sewer services to most of
the urban and sub-urban areas. Much of the rural sector
currently relies on septic tanks. But with population
growth and the resulting new construction, the City of
Chilliwack has an ongoing plan for sewer improvements.
Recent developments include a new sewer a new sewer
main on the Eastern Hillside to convey sewage to the
WWTP (2001) and servicing to the Sardis Park Area
(2003/2004).
38
Waste
The City of Chilliwack’s waste is comprised of three
Quantities of less than 15 liters will be accepted at
the waste oil recovery bin located at the Bailey
main components: recyclable material, compostable
landfill scale house. Large quantities of waste oil
material, and garbage. This waste is separated and
can be saved for Household Hazardous Waste
directed to three sites:
Collection Day.
• Bailey Sanitary Landfill Site (garbage)
• Gypsum (Gyproc): recycle at Bailey Landfill.
• AgGro Composting — Pit 43
• Scrap Metal & Tin: recycle at Bailey Landfill.
(compostables/yard waste)
• Green Bin Drop-off Depot Program (recyclable
materials)
The City’s objective is to reduce waste through the
• Fridges & Freezers: recycle at Bailey Landfill.
• Paint & Solvents: The BC Paint Care Association
operates a paint and solvent drop off depot at the
Chilliwack Bottle Depot on Tretheway Road. Old
“Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” philosophy. The Provincial
paint and solvent products may be dropped off free
Government’s waste disposal goal was to reduce waste to
of charge during regular operating hours.
1.1 kilograms per person per day. The City has achieved a
Alternatively they can be stored until Household
significant amount of success over the past 10 years. In
Hazardous Waste Collection Day.
fact, in 1999 the City diverted a minimum of 42% of our
waste away from the municipal landfill.
Composting Services
The City promotes backyard composting; however if
Collection Services
The City provides curbside garbage and recycling
that is not a feasible option for residents, most garbage
collection companies in the city provide yard waste
collection services to all single-family households under a
collection services to their clients. Alternatively, yard
5 year contract with Canadian Waste Services.
waste can be transported directly to the Parr Road
Participating households will receive a quarterly bill for
Composting Facility.
recycling and garbage collection on their City utility bill.
Multi-family complexes will have the option to
participate. Residents with commercial property may opt
out of the collection program. This program does not
apply to businesses.
Residents with existing contracts with private garbage
haulers are encouraged to maintain their contracts.
Recycling Services
The City provides numerous avenues for recycling
material:
•
Bailey Landfill Disposal Fees
General Refuse (0-60 kg)
$4.50
General Refuse (61 kg or more) - per tonne
$73
General Refuse (>5 tonne)
$68
Gypsum for recycling (no contaminants)
per tonne
$115
Permitted Special Waste Surcharge
$200
BC Telephone Books: collected once a year through
key grocery stores.
•
Batteries: recycle at Bailey Landfill or store until
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.
• Oil: recycle by returning to the place of purchase or
at the Mohawk Station on Yale Road East.
39
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
British Columbia is one of North America’s leaders
in telecommunications infrastructure and services, with all
advertising, mapping and information services.
TELUS Corporation merged with BC Tel in January
communities having access to T-1 lines, and medium and
1999. In 1992, TELUS launched North America’s first
large communities having access to T-3 lines. Businesses
digital cellular network and started Canada’s first Internet
have access to a full range of data and Internet services:
Yellow Pages service. TELUS is building a $260M trans-
available bandwidth ranges from 56 Kbps to 100 Mbps
Canada fiber-optic network — the largest project in
using technologies such as fibre optics, ISDN, ADSL,
Canadian telecommunications history — which will
Frame Relay, and ATM.
provide high-speed data and Internet services to
The majority of telecommunications services and
infrastructure is provided by TELUS Corporation
(www.telus.net). TELUS is the second-largest
communications company in Canada. It has offices in
British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, and employs
more than 22,000 Canadians. TELUS services millions of
Canadian households, more than 50,000 small businesses
and thousands of mid-sized and large corporations across
the country.
TELUS offers local, long-distance and wireless
services: high-speed data networks; advanced data,
Internet and e-commerce solutions; plus multimedia,
businesses across Canada.
Of course, TELUS does offer regular business and
residential line service, long distance, toll free, cellular,
and a host of electronic messaging and related services.
Although TELUS is the major telecommunications
company in British Columbia, there are also a number of
other companies that provide local, long-distance services
and cellular services.
Also of interesting note, TELUS has developed a
website (www.mytelus.com) which is full of useful
community information. For more detailed information
on their services, contact TELUS directly.
Telecommunications Services to Chilliwack
Service Characteristics of the Office:
Switch technology GTDS
Digital Fiber Service Provided:
Ethernet Fibre
Mbps LAN Service Available:
Yes - customer sets up LAN/WAN
Monitoring (managed services only):
Telus monitors router
ISDN Available:
Yes (1)
ADSL Available:
Yes (1)
ADSL Available form this Switch:
Yes
Central Office on Self-Healing Fiber Ring:
Yes
Dual Feed from Two Separate Switching Offices:
Yes (back up)
Frame Relay, DS3, T1, T3, etc. (with providers):
Yes
56 Kbps to 100 Mbps:
Yes
Fibre Optics
Yes (2)
ATM:
Yes
(1) Location and distance will determine availability.
(2) Fibre is dependent on location and cost to bring it from the curb to the premise.
Source: Telus, 2006
40
SECTION THREE:
Economics
B
ritish Columbia is Canada’s third
Chilliwack’s continued strong population growth
biggest province, after Ontario and
(with the population shift eastward, from Vancouver and
Quebec. It is home to 13%
towards Chilliwack) is expected to increase construction
of Canada’s population and produces
activity and expand the area’s trade profile and resulting
about 12% of the country’s total
opportunities.
GDP. The City of Chilliwack, located in the eastern
Two other areas of growing importance in Chilliwack
portion of the Greater Vancouver/Lower Mainland
are the technology and tourism sectors. With the addition
Economic Region, is a thriving and economically
of Stream, the technology sector is one of the City’s
diversified community of growing importance to the
leading employers. And tourism is growing substantially,
region.
but most statistics on tourism are usually allocated to
Historically, Chilliwack was a community of
other sectors like services and retail.
agriculture and forestry, as early settlers harvested the
food and timber that helped build the province. Today,
there is a clear long-term trend, on the local, provincial
and national levels, toward less goods-producing
economic activity and more service-producing activity.
Primary industries, in particular, are losing importance on
Economic Diversity
Services
/ Retail
45%
Agriculture
29%
a provincial scale; however, in Chilliwack, agriculture
continues to account for significant percentages of both
Public Sector
4%
employment and community income.
Some goods-producing industries — such as,
manufacturing and construction — are also key to local
economic performance (although they are not growing at
Manufacturing
9%
Forestry
13%
the rate of service industries). The future competitiveness
of these two sectors will be critical to maintaining an
So urce: Chilliwack Eco no mic P artners Co rpo ratio n
adequate job and economic base in the South Fraser area.
41
ECONOMIC SECTORS
The Future of Chilliwack Agriculture
The City of Chilliwack is committed to increasing and
Agriculture
improving agriculture in our community. Efforts have
Agriculture is an essential part of Chilliwack’s
been initiated to attract new agricultural businesses and to
community identity. It has been an ever present part of
help the City’s existing agricultural businesses grow,
our history and it is a significant portion of our present
expand, and diversify. New technologies and changing
with approximately 65% (19,282 hectares) of our land
demographics are creating opportunities and market
dedicated to agriculture. And with an abundance of
niches for a whole new variety of goods and services.
available high quality agricultural land, it will be a vital
Agriculture of yesteryear may have been as simple as
part of our future.
producing milk. Today, a food producer can go several
steps further and create a new type of beverage or snack
The Economic Strength
of Chilliwack Agriculture
that could be mass-marketed around the world.
From its 924 farms, Chilliwack’s agricultural sector
gains approximately $150M in revenues annually. Dairy
farming accounts for almost half of all farm revenues in
Chilliwack. However, poultry, vegetable and berry
production, floriculture and the nursery industry play a
growing, crucial role in the region’s economy.
The City also gains substantial economic spin-offs
through such agricultural supporting industries as feed,
fertilizer, chemicals, machinery, and fuel. As well,
agriculture attracts its fair share of investment activity
with approximately $0.7 billion in land and buildings.
Types of Farms
Agri-Tourism
Berry/Grape
Dairy
Greenhouse Vegetable
Greenhouse Floraculture*
Livestock
Nursery
Organic
Poultry
Tree Fruit
Vegetable
Other
3%
2%
43%
1%
8%
5%
9%
1%
18%
2%
3%
5%
Note: Some farms fall into more than one market
segment.
*Note: A small portion of the Greenhouse
Floraculture segment have field-grown flowers.
Source: Chilliwack Agricultural Commission, 2006
42
Chilliwack has already ventured into new markets with
the worldwide export of agri-related products.
Employment
Agriculture is one of the City’s major employers. It
accounts for about 2,400 people or about 7.4% of the
employment market. (Note: Employees in agri-related
manufacturing, supply and service companies would
significantly augment this number). Like most other
places, Chilliwack has seen a decline in the number of
agricultural workers. Trends towards larger farms,
decreased labour in commodity productions, and more
high-tech applications of equipment and production
techniques such as hydroponics reduce the need for
manual labour. However, with the growth of new food
and feed processing plants, the need for seasonal workers
has increased by the hundreds.
Major Agricultural Employers
Company
Cannor Nurseries
Inline Nurseries
Rainbow Greenhouses
Unifeed
Fraser Valley Duck & Goose
Employees
*200
**110
110
98
70
*140 are part-time / seasonal
** 70 are part-time / seasonal
Food Processing
With the prominence of the agriculture industry in
Chilliwack, it is of no surprise that the food processing
sector is experiencing significant growth. For food
processors, Chilliwack has become a desirable location
due to its bountiful source of raw materials and proximity
to major transportation and distribution points.
Chilliwack has a very high percentage of agricultural
operations: about 65% of the City’s land mass is
dedicated to agriculture, providing approximate local
revenues of $150M annually (not including agricultural
support industries such as feed, fertilizer, chemicals,
machinery, and fuel). Additionally, Chilliwack accounts
for 25% of the province’s farms (while only occupying
4% of the total agricultural land), and it produces more
than 62% of BC’s gross farm sales!
As Chilliwack is situated in the eastern portion of the
Lower Mainland region, food processing companies are
Farms, Happy Days Goat Dairies and Greenhill Acres
have emerged.
The emergence of smaller food processing facilities
over the past few years may be attributed to factors such
as vertical integration as production companies (farms)
have incorporated small food processing facilities and
retail outlets into their business and the emergence of
organic and shop local themes.
For further information on food processing
opportunities visit www.foodprocessingbc.com.
Major Food Processing Employers
COMPANY
Vantage Foods
Johnston Packers
Fraser Valley Meats
Natrel/Sealtest
Coast Mountain Dairy
Rogers Foods
Norma's Bakery
EMPLOYEES
140
85
56
45
40
20
18
able to take advantage of the proximity to the Vancouver
and US marketplaces. The combined accessibility of
agricultural resources and markets has led to the Lower
Downtown
Chilliwack is continuously renewing its downtown
Mainland region becoming home to the highest
core, drawing new interest in its business and community
concentration of food processors in British Columbia.
potential. At the heart of this renewal is the partnership
Chilliwack, in particular, provides 11% of the province’s
between the City of Chilliwack, the Chilliwack Economic
raw materials for food processing.
Partners Corporation (CEPCO) and the Downtown
It is these factors that have contributed to notable
Chilliwack Business Improvement Association (BIA).
food processors such as Rogers Foods Ltd., making
Chilliwack their home. In 2004, Rogers Foods Ltd.
opened a $25M Chilliwack plant employing about 20
people.
Diverse Range of Food Processors
Chilliwack is already home to a diverse range of food
processors in such sub-sectors as beverages, dairy, meat,
grains and flour, organic foods and medical supplements.
This diversity is reflected in the wide variety of
processing facilities present in the community. In
addition to larger food processing firms such as Vantage
Foods, Natrel Inc. (Sealtest), Johnston Packers and Fraser
Valley Meats, smaller scale operations such as Honeyview
Revitalization Zone
The City of Chilliwack, partnering with the BIA and
CEPCO, created the Downtown Revitalization Zone
bylaw:

That states the kinds of revitalization eligible
(over $100,000).
The extent of exemption available.
Assessment is frozen for five years in core area
and will be phased in over the next five years.
Surrounding area assessment frozen for five
years and phased in over the next three years.
43
Film and Television
Production Spending
The bylaw pertains to construction of new
improvement or alterations to existing buildings. The
(2005 / Millions $ CDN)
exemption is for five years plus one five-year extension.
Animation
The efforts of this partnership have already benefited
downtown through renovation and redevelopment
1,
40
0
1,
20
0
1,
00
0
Features
80
0
Improvements
TV Series
60
0
or redeveloped.
Total Budget Overall
Movie of the Week/
Pilots/ Mini Series
40
0
42 buildings were under-utilized and could be renovated
Total Spent in BC
20
0
A Building Inventory (developed in 2000) indicated
-
Redevelopment Potential
Documentary/ Short
Films
Source: BC Film Commission, 2006
In 2005, foreign location production increased 19% to
initiatives, including streetscape on Yale Road and
over $1B. Canadian production is also playing an
Wellington Avenue and the Heritage Building Facade
increasing role, spending over $220M in 2005.
Program.
In the spring of 2002, a major public-private
BC's film industry is also creating a significant
economic impact in other industries including
partnership (between the City, provincial government and
construction, tourism, and small business sectors (such as
a private construction company) brought a $10M
accounting services, vehicle rentals, and gas stations).
reinvestment into the downtown core. The new
Also add the earnings of 35,000 BC film-industry
developments include the Chilliwack Five Corners office
employees who put their money back into the economy.
building complex, a new 18,000 sq.ft. facility that is the
home of Family Justice, Community Corrections, Crown
Counsel, City of Chilliwack Business Licensing Dept.,
Film and Television Productions
In 2005, there were 211 film and television
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO),
productions shot in BC. These included 63 feature films
BIA and Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce; and the new
(like Eight Below, Scary Movie 4, and X-Men 3); 31
Provincial Court House (a 40,000 sq.ft. facility).
television series; 93 television movies, mini-series,
Additional major developments in the area are the new
specials, pilots, documentaries, and docudramas; and 24
$13M, aquatic and recreational facility, Chilliwack
animated productions. In Chilliwack, productions in the
Landing Leisure Centre; and the new $20.3M, 3,500 seat
past years have included creature feature Snakehead
multiplex arena, Prospera Centre.
Terror, science fiction flick Biohazard, action comedy
All these new developments will increase both road
and pedestrian traffic and open up new opportunities for
further commercial and retail development.
Film
In the past decade, BC's film industry activity has
increased about 500%. By 2000, this industry spent over
$1.18B, plus an additional $110M in foreign nontheatrical productions, such as corporate videos and
commercials. In 2005, 211 productions worth over $1.2B
were shot in BC.
44
White Chicks, and commercials for Ford Mustang and
Volkswagen Touareg.
Strategic Advantages
Chilliwack provides that any-town or small-town feel
without the costs of moving production people and
equipment to a remote location in the BC interior. Other
financial benefits to filming in Chilliwack include
Major Financial Employers
COMPANY
EMPLOYEES
enVision Credit Union
Prospera Credit Union
Royal Bank
TD Canada Trust
HSBC
CIBC
Scotiabank
Vancity Savings Credit Union
Bank of Montreal
Coast Capital Savings
101
57
50
45
32
24
24
18
17
15
Source: Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, 2006
lower location and permit costs, and federal, provincial
and regional tax credits. Also, Chilliwack has a full
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate (FIRE) includes
all finance and insurance companies, as well as real estate
operators and insurance agencies.
Chilliwack is a convenient base for the numerous
financial institutions serving Upper Fraser Valley
communities. The rapid population growth over the last
two decades has attracted virtually all major financial
institutions into the community. Currently nearly all
chartered banks and financial/investment service
institutions are represented. Also the vibrant real estate
market for residential, commercial, industrial and
institutional markets is effectively serviced through local
agencies.
support network of hotels, restaurants and large filming
facilities. But what makes Chilliwack ideal is its multitude
Employment
of filming locations: the former Canadian Forces Base,
The Financial/Insurance/Real Estate Services sector
in Chilliwack is estimated to have 1,150 local employees
and another 4,035 employees in the surrounding
areas/Fraser Valley Regional District. The proportion of
the labour force employed in this sector in Chilliwack is
below the provincial average, but it has been rising over
the last 10 years as the community builds and diversifies
its service base. In general, the fire sector provides quality
jobs and pays a higher wage than the average for all
industries.
From an economic development perspective, the
growing FIRE sector is an asset to Chilliwack because it
provides many of the services that are essential for
business development (for both existing companies and
new investors to the area). Businesses who wish to
relocate to Chilliwack require site location information
and a variety of services, including housing information,
which can be provided by local real estate companies.
(Visit www.chilliwackpartners.com for Site Selector
Information and a Property Finder Database). Access to
conventional capital sources and insurance requirements
is also available locally, without having to travel to larger
centres.
Given the expectation of continuing strong
population growth in the area, it can be forecast that
mountains, lakes, rivers, ski hills, farms, modern/historic
sites, industrial/office buildings, nightclubs, mansions,
hovels, country roads, highways and more.
Production Facilities
BC has over 70 post-production facilities, 50 shooting
stages, two water tank facilities, and an extensive resource
of equipment rentals. BC is also home to two of the
largest film and television studio facilities in Canada, and
one of the largest special effects stages in North America.
BC has the ability to crew and service 35 projects
simultaneously. We have a host of talented actors, script
writers, site location scouts, producers, location managers,
researchers, filming and production crew, postproduction and ancillary services companies.
Employment
Approximately 35,000 British Columbians are
employed full-time and part-time in the film industry.
Since 1978, people locally hired on productions have
increased from 40% to 97% of the average crew.
45
there will be a directly corresponding increase in markets
(and hence employment) for these products and services.
Chilliwack has the highest number of timber harvesting
workers in the Fraser TSA. Recent timber supply analyses
conducted by the Ministry of Forests indicate that as
Major Forestry Employers
COMPANY
Uneeda Wood Products
Visscher Lumber
Cattermole Timber
*30 are seasonal
Chilliwack Forest District
Yarrow Wood
*4 are seasonal
EMPLOYEES
180
126
*70
70
*36
Source: Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation , 2006
Forestry
There are two components to Chilliwack’s forestry
base: logging and silviculture, and manufacturing.
Logging and silviculture is linked primarily to activity
many as 30% of the region’s 1,300 primary forest workers
reside in Chilliwack. They tend to be employed by the
numerous logging companies and small business
contractors who are operating in the community because
of its relatively central location.
In many communities around the province, logging
and wood processing tend to be tightly linked, with
integrated companies dominating activity. In Chilliwack,
this is not the case. Logging activity in the region results
in a net outflow of timber, mostly to processing facilities
in the GVRD. But that does not mean there is no wood
processing occurring locally. In fact, there are several
secondary wood processors who, rather than requiring
timber as a raw material, utilize lumber to produce a
on the Crown forest land base, which is administered by
variety of value-added products, everything from pallets
the Ministry of Forests out of the Chilliwack Forest
and containers to furniture components and millwork.
District office. Chilliwack is part of the Fraser Timber
Supply Area (TSA), which includes Greater Vancouver,
the Fraser Valley, the Fraser Canyon up to Boston Bar
Health
The health sector in Chilliwack is as diverse as the
and the Hope area. The current Allowable Annual Cut
government agencies, NGOs, volunteers and private
(AAC) in the Fraser TSA is 1.27 million cubic meters.
sector businesses that keep the community well-served
The vast majority of this harvest is apportioned to nine
and healthy.
major licensees, one of which, Cattermole Timber, is
based in the Chilliwack area. Even though the Fraser TSA
spans both the Greater Vancouver Regional District
(GVRD) and the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD),
the majority of active harvest areas are in the latter. It is
for this reason that the FVRD, and Chilliwack in
particular, have the lion’s share of harvesting-related
employment.
Employment
In contrast to communities north of the Fraser River
like Mission and Maple Ridge (where forest employment
is dominated by the manufacturing sector), Chilliwack is
stronger in the primary sector.
Although its growing population tends to hide the
proportion of forestry employment in absolute terms,
46
Major Health Employers
COMPANY
Complex Care Facilities (3 companies)
Chilliwack Society for Community Living
EMPLOYEES
1,200
210
110
There is a wide variety of community health services
in Chilliwack, including Chilliwack Community Services
(volunteers, directory of services, counseling and crisis
line), Chilliwack Mental Health (counseling), FraserCheam Home Support, and a number of facilities offering
adult day programs, transportation services, meal service
and rehabilitation services. A dedicated core of volunteers
backstop these services, ensuring that Chilliwack remains
a healthy community for young and old alike. (More
sub-sectors include wood and related food processing,
information is available under Health Care, page 31 and
metal fabrication and machinery-equipment.
Organizations, page 25).
The single biggest factor affecting health care and
In agriculture there are equipment, feed and fertilizer
manufacturers to support the agricultural sector locally.
social services in the years ahead will be demographic
However, like most manufacturers, the markets for these
change. As the population gets older and life expectancy
products are often world-wide.
continues to rise, the number of people in the higher age
Value-added wood processors are a growing presence
ranges will increase as well. This means greater pressure
in Chilliwack despite the fact that primary wood
on our health care system.
processing is shrinking elsewhere in the province.
Convenient access to a regional timber and lumber supply
Employment
The health sector is responsible for employing more
base and a long history of involvement in the forest
sector have allowed area remanufacturers to take
than 10% of the local labour force and generating eight
advantage of their proximity to prime and growing Pacific
percent of all community income.
Northwest markets.
Chilliwack General Hospital is the City’s largest health
Chilliwack’s manufacturers, however, do more than
sector employer with about 1,200 employees and
serve the resource sectors; they increasingly use high
approximately 98 general practitioners and specialists.
technology and knowledge-based inputs to create
The community as a whole is home to 38 dentists and 69
products destined for world markets. Aircraft parts,
physicians.
electronic equipment, plastics and pharmaceuticals are
Employment and economic activity in the health care
sector can be expected to increase as the population
some examples of product lines manufactured by local
firms.
grows and ages, generating more demand for a full range
of health-related services. In fact, per capita health care
spending has risen dramatically between 1975 and 2005 as
the baby boom generation moved through the adult years,
approaching retirement. Changes in the way health care
dollars are spent will also have implications for the local
economy. The share of expenditures for hospital and
doctor services will continue to decline while spending on
health care professionals other than doctors and
alternative health services will increase. The long-term
trends in health care have implications for economic
development as the private sector will assume a more
prominent role in the provision and delivery of services.
Manufacturing
Chilliwack’s manufacturing sector is relatively
Major Manufacturing Employers
COMPANY
Uneeda Wood Products
Masonite International
Ty-Crop Manufacturing
Visscher Lumber
IMW Industries
Unifeed
Westeck Windows
EMPLOYEES
180
178
140
126
100
98
94
“Amongst the featured cities in the 2006
KPMG Competitive Alternatives Study,
Chilliwack ranked as the most competitive city
on the Pacific Coast of North America.”
KPMG, Competitive Alternatives¸ 2006
diversified, with firms engaged in forestry and agriculture
product manufacturing as well as a variety of both
resource and non-resource based production. The leading
47
Economic Activity
This sector is essential to the economic vitality of the
community, as is evident in the table (below) on
manufacturing statistics for the region (2003). More
Principle Manufacturing Statistics
BC and Chilliwack / Fraser Valley Region
BC
Production & Related Workers
Establishment Count #
Production Workers #
Wages $' 000
Fuel & Electricity $' 000
Materials $' 000
Shipments $' 000
Value-added $' 000
Total Value-added $' 000
Other Employees
Admin. & non-manufacturing
Employees #
Salaries $' 000
Total
Employees #
Salaries & Wages $' 000
Total Materials $' 000
Total Shipments $' 000
Total Value-added $' 000
*FVRD
7,094
390
131,522
6,504
4,957,777 211,691
1,330,379
25,461
20,574,102 1,132,693
37,617,703 1,748,611
15,680,403 589,133
16,037,776 618,527
FVRD
as % of
BC
5.5
4.9
4.3
1.9
5.5
4.6
3.8
3.9
Attraction
The attraction of Chilliwack for manufacturing
enterprises is obvious: (1) an available, serviced and
reasonably-priced industrial land base in close
proximity to Cascadia markets; (2) an excellent multimodal transportation system that provides access to
regional and world-wide markets; (3) a well-educated
workforce; and (4) an attractive lifestyle. All this
combined broadens Chilliwack’s appeal to
manufacturers being squeezed out of more costly
areas of Greater Vancouver.
Employment
Approximately 8% of the local labour force is
employed in the manufacturing sector, accounting
for more than 2,000 high-paying jobs. The
proportion of manufacturing labour force to total
labour force in Chilliwack followed the BC average
between 1981 and 1996, meaning the community is
keeping pace with provincial employment trends in
35,731
1,932,438
1,523
75,336
4.3
3.9
this key sector. The diversity of manufacturing
employment is shown in the following table. The
biggest employers are involved in primary or value-
167,253
8,027
6,890,215 287,027
22,212,196 1,201,590
39,611,869 1,847,528
16,037,776 618,527
4.8
4.2
5.4
4.7
3.9
*FVRD=Fraser Valley Regional District, which includes Chilliwack
Source: BC Stats, 2004
added wood processing, construction materials,
technology, and agricultural products.
Public Sector
The public sector is a stabilizing force for the
community, as employment and employment income
tends to experience fewer ups and downs than many
than 8,000 workers generate more than $1.8B in
shipments and $618M in value-added manufacturing. The
spending on materials and wages is the main means of
support for other economic sectors such as retail and
services.
This sector is destined for growth as the City actively
promotes new business development and supports the
growth of existing manufacturing businesses. Also as the
population of Chilliwack increases, opportunities for new
businesses and investment will expand.
other sectors of the economy. Some sub-sectors like
Major Public Sector Employers
EMPLOYEES
COMPANY
School District #33
1,524
Sto:lo Nation - First Nation Government
376
City of Chilliwack
260
RCMP
210
(Chilliwack Campus)
180
Canada Post
71
Fraser Valley Regional District
70
48
education and policing will continue to grow in step with
anticipated population growth. However, the long-term
trend towards less investment in government services, the
gradual reduction of jobs by senior levels of government
and increasing evidence of privatization is expected to
than four employees. Many are owner-operated. Also
most home-based businesses would be classified in the
service industry. It has been estimated that as many as
one-quarter of all businesses in Chilliwack are homebased.
Major Professional Service
Employers
contribute to the waning influence of the public sector in
the years ahead.
Employment
The public sector (not including the health sector) is
Chilliwack’s fourth largest employer constituting about
13% of the labour force and one quarter of all
community income. The profile of the public sector has
declined significantly in Chilliwack over the last five years,
primarily as a result of the closure of CFB Chilliwack.
However, with the opening of the new RCMP training
facility on the former CFB lands, this impact is softened
somewhat. In any case, the closure of CFB has certainly
not halted the overall growth of population, the
workforce or the related demand on public sector
services.
Public sector employment is spread among several
educational institutions and government offices, some of
which are major employers for the community. Federal
institutions also play a role. The Chilliwack School
District, serving 12,100 students in 29 schools, employs
more than 1,524 teachers, support staff and
administrators. The University College of the Fraser
Valley (a Masters and degree granting institution), has
close to 200 management and staff serving approximately
5,424 students (full time equivalent).
The City of Chilliwack consists of a mayor and six
councilors. The municipality has a staff of approximately
260 (including part-time workers), engaged in a variety of
public services. (For more information on the Municipal
Government, see the section on Profiles).
And of course, the new RCMP training facility, plus
the regular RCMP branch and the administrative offices
add another 210 people to public sector employment.
Services
The service sector in Chilliwack is comprised of
businesses engaged in the provision of personal and
business services. The service sector is dominated by
small businesses, with the majority of firms having less
EMPLOYER
EMPLOYEES
68
Baker Newby
33
Meyers Norris & Penny
33
Waterstone Law Group
32
Wedler Engineering
25
KPMG
23
Omega & Associates Engineering
15
Langbroek, Louwerse & Thiessen
Craven/Huston/Powers Architects
11
Trend
Provincially, there is an overall trend away from
goods-producing activity into service-sector activity and
this trend is expected to affect Chilliwack. The increase of
employment in services will be driven by continued
population growth, a more competitive downtown and
new mixed-use commercial/retail developments
throughout the region. With this growth, there will be
more and better service options for residents.
Other demographic changes, particularly the rising
population age, will also affect this sector. With more
seniors and retirees attracted to Chilliwack by affordable
real estate and housing prices, more senior-specific
service opportunities will emerge.
Chilliwack’s proximity to Vancouver, combined with
the area’s exceptional recreation assets and its reasonably
priced real estate, will also appeal to increasingly mobile
professionals and high technology, knowledge-based
enterprises. As production in the traditional goods
producing resource sectors decline, there is a good
possibility that service industries, which are export-driven,
will fill the gap. These types of service businesses are
highly attractive in economic development terms because
they do not rely on local markets. They tend to be higher
paying, and they enhance the local labour pool as a
community asset.
49
Employment
are more high-tech occupations in low-tech industries
The proportion of the labour force employed in
in BC than there are in the high-tech industries. Sectors
business and personal services in Chilliwack is less than
such as health, education and government services (all
4% — small by provincial standards. However, it has
which are proportionately higher in Chilliwack than the
been a growth area in Chilliwack due to population
rest of BC) employ significant levels of high technology
growth and the increasing diversification of the local
workers
economy. Increased manufacturing and a stronger retail
market have increased the need for service sector jobs.
Major Technology Employers
Also, many service sector jobs are dependent on
COMPANY
Stream
Chilliwack’s growing primary industries, like agriculture.
Ty-Crop Manufacturing
140
IMW Industries Ltd.
100
Murphy Air
TEKSmed Services
40
Technology
Technology and advanced manufacturing are
becoming a major source of economic growth in British
EMPLOYEES
1,300
32
Columbia and around the world. In BC, technology is a
well above the provincial average and creating relatively
growing sector that is increasing its contribution to GDP
high-income levels. What’s more, the expansion of the
and employment, while generating high income level jobs
sector has been an important factor in the continued
at rates well above the provincial average.
diversification of BC’s economy away from its depend-
The expansion of this sector has been an important
ence on resource extraction and processing towards
factor in the continued diversification of BC’s economy.
other types of manufacturing activities. According to BC
According to BC Stats, the growth in the number of high-
Stats, the growth in the number of high-tech firms in
tech firms in the region has been greater than the
the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) has been
provincial benchmark, and encouragingly, the area has a
greater than the provincial benchmark, and encourage-
much higher percentage of high-tech manufacturing firms
ingly, the area has a much higher percentage of
than the rest of BC.
manufacturing firms in the high-tech sector when
Chilliwack’s profile for high technology is flourishing,
compared to the province.
not simply because of the addition of Stream
International, a global provider of CRM support solutions
for leading technology companies and e-business, but
Employment
Opportunities for employment in the high technology
because of the increased adaptation of high technology
sector and advanced manufacturing have increased
inputs into what is normally considered low-tech sectors
steadily over the past few years with a total employment
such as avionics (transportation), GIS (government,
figure reaching 150,000 for the entire province. In fact,
forestry) and bio-technology (agriculture). In fact, there
the information and communications technology sector
posted employment growth of 16% from 1999 to 2004.
Growth of High Tech Firms
Region
BC
FVRD*
2001
2002
2000
Mfg. Serv. Total Mfg. Serv. Total Mfg. Serv. Total
863 4,528 5,391 830 4,622 5,452 814 4,525 5,339
29
88 117 32
98 130 36
91 127
*FVRD=Fraser Valley Regional District, which includes Chilliwack
50
Attractions for Technology Firms
The availability of a skilled labour pool is just one of
the reasons Stream entered Chilliwack. A recent
international competitive study conducted by KPMG
[KMPG Competitiveness Alternatives, 2006] showed
Chilliwack to have a highly favourable standing in most
technology sectors compared to cities in other G-7
countries. This was especially true in labour-intensive
high-tech sectors such as biomedical R&D, electronic
system testing and software development.
Site location factors other than labour which
benefited Chilliwack included low land, building, and
office costs; low utility costs; favourable transportation
costs; high quality of life; reasonable cost of living; and a
quality infrastructure.
There is a unique set of site selection advantages for
high-tech businesses in Chilliwack. There is access to a
critical mass of labour, transportation, firm networking,
research, development and university resources centered
in the Lower Mainland, yet this can be blended with
significantly lower land, development and occupancy
costs than neighbouring Greater Vancouver communities.
And the quality of life factors such as recreational
opportunities and affordable housing that draw many
high-tech workers to a community are in abundance in
Chilliwack.
Tourism
The tourism industry in the area is made up of a
diversity of business types, from front country hospitality
firms to numerous independent, small business operators.
There are several hundred businesses engaged in tourism
in the area, ranging from major accommodations,
hospitality firms and attractions to numerous commercial
Vancouver and touring travelers (who seek a convenient
stopping point between Vancouver and the BC Interior).
The geographic origin of Chilliwack tourism markets
is shown in the table below. About 30% of visitors to the
Tourism Chilliwack Visitor Info Centre are residents,
while another 30.7% are from BC (mostly Greater
Vancouver). Alberta (9.6%) and Washington/California
(7.4%) are also key markets.
Traditionally, few travelers to the region are here for
Visitor Origin - Chilliwack
%
Local Resident
BC
Alberta
Other Canada
Washington
California
Other US/Mexico
Europe
Asia/Australia
Other
Total Visitors
28.9
30.7
9.6
8.8
5.7
1.7
7.0
6.2
1.1
0.4
100.0
Source: Tourism Chilliwack Visitor Information Centre,
2005 (based on a total of 9,869 overnight stays for 2004)
Length of Stay
%
Same Day
1
2
3
4-6 (1 week)
7-13 (2 weeks)
14+
Total
70
14.5
5.2
4.1
3.8
0.9
1.6
100
Source: Tourism Chilliwack Visitor Information Centre, 2005 (based
on a total of 9,869 overnight stays for 2004)
outdoor recreation operators. There are many more
multiple-day visits. Approximately, 70% of visitors are in
businesses in the retail, service and transportation sectors
the community for a single day, while another 15% are
which depend in part on tourism markets and revenues.
here for a single night. This is indicative of Chilliwack’s
Visitors
attraction as a day-trip destination. However, as more and
Chilliwack caters to a mix of tourism markets,
including skiers, outdoor recreationists, resort visitors, a
large contingent of excursion visitors from Greater
more people discover the diversity of attractions and
activities in Chilliwack, the length of visitor stays are
expected to increase.
51
Attractions and Activities
Major Tourism Employers
The reasons visitors are drawn to the region range
from the physical all the way to the cultural. The natural
resources of the region are impressive and unique,
offering a wide variety of outdoor activities. Also a
steadily increasing number of destination attractions,
festivals and events round out a diversity of tourism
options.
With the Trans Canada Highway as the main
transportation artery through Chilliwack, the City gains
constant exposure to a steady flow of travelers. Add these
major attributes to Chilliwack’s proximity to nearby
destinations like Harrison Hot Springs, Bridal Falls,
Hemlock Valley Ski Resort, Manning Park and visitors
begin to discover that the region is rich in tourism and
recreation activities. Also Chilliwack’s own Cultus Lake
Provincial Park — with its beaches, camping, boating,
golf courses, and waterslides — is a major attraction for
the area. And Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is also a
popular summer destination.
Historically, agriculture has been Chilliwack’s
economic backbone and part of that legacy is a relaxed
country lifestyle and a picturesque, open rural landscape
that is a perfect accompaniment for tourism. Agriculture
tours, farm gate sales, roadside stands, corn mazes and
visits to operating farms are some of the agri-tourism
products popular with visitors.
A multitude of mountains, trails and rivers make
Chilliwack a destination for outdoor activity, whether for
the soft adventure seeker or the advanced thrill seeker.
Mountain biking is popular on the Vedder Mountain trails
or the Chilliwack River Valley, while more relaxed bicycle
tours can be taken on the area’s dyke system. There are
numerous hiking trails in the community, including the
COMPANY
EMPLOYEES
Best Western Rainbow Country Inn
83
64
Rhombus Hotels & Resorts
50
Cultus Lake Parkboard (summer)
*50
Minter Gardens
*10 are seasonal
hikes, and backcountry camping opportunities,
include Tea Pot Hill, Elk Mountain, Mount Cheam, and
Lindeman, Greendrop, Pierce, Radium lakes and Slesse
Meadows. Expert mountaineers are also drawn to the
region by some of North America’s roughest, most
spectacular and extreme terrain. There are few rivers in
the province that can provide the variety of white water
experiences as found on the Chilliwack River.
As the sports fishing center of the Fraser Valley,
Chilliwack’s rivers and lakes showcase steelhead, salmon,
trout, and sturgeon fishing throughout the year. The
Fraser River, one of the world’s great salmon-producing
rivers, the Chilliwack-Vedder rivers and the Harrison
River all have bountiful stocks.
Chilliwack offers a colourful mix of aboriginal and
colonial culture and history. Attractions include the
Chilliwack Museum, restored commercial buildings in
downtown Chilliwack, and Shxwt’a:selhawtxw, a nonmuseum hands-on approach involving Stó:lõ artists and
crafts people.
Chilliwack is also a city of festivals, featuring the
Cultus Lake Indian Festival, Dixieland Jazz Festival, the
Chilliwack Bluegrass Festival, Flight Fest, and the annual
Chilliwack Exhibition, which is over 130 years old.
For more information, go to the Tourism Chilliwack
website: www.tourismchilliwack.com.
Rotary Trail along the Vedder River. Popular mountain
Revenues ($000)
Properties Rooms
Fraser Valley
Hotels
1-75 Rooms
52
82
24
16
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2,770 28,461 31,592 33,654 35,915 36,881
1,513 20,953 22,154 23,789 25,900 26,743
503 2,437 2,883 3,475 3,580 3,915
Accommodations
There are 14 hotels/motels in Chilliwack. Overall this
area has a relatively high percentage of rooms-only hotel
rooms compared to other markets of this size and
character. There are about 200 full-service hotel rooms in
two properties: the Rhombus Hotel and Resort and the
Best Western Rainbow Country Inn. (Further
accommodation inventory, including local campsites and
hotels in nearby communities, is indicated under
Facilities).
For more information on Tourism Chilliwack’s
marketing and economic development activities, see
Profiles.
Trade (Retail and Wholesale)
The trade sector, involving both wholesale and retail
activity, is Chilliwack’s largest economic sector, employing more than 5,800 people. In economic terms, Trade is
primarily viewed as a non-basic sector, that is, as a sector
that recycles existing wealth through the spending and
re-spending of residents and local businesses. However,
Accommodation Trends
Retail Sales
The Fraser Valley Regional District
Chilliwack Sales
experienced a steady increase in room revenues
over the five year period between 1999 and 2003
due largely to overnight visitors at the larger
hotels. During this period revenues increased by
approximately 30 per cent. Therefore, we can
assume that it is the number of visitors, and not
just their spending that is the driving force.
Employment
Tourism is a part of Chilliwack’s economic
base, contributing employment and employment
income to the community that rank it close
behind agriculture and forestry.
More than 9% of the labour force in
Chilliwack is employed in the tourism industry,
most of which is the hospitality and
accommodation sector. Also many of these jobs
are seasonal in nature.
Focused Marketing
Tourism Chilliwack (a committee of Chilliwack
Economic Partners Corp.) has established several
marketing initiatives to promote Chilliwack and support
local tourism operations. These focused efforts will
undoubtedly attract more visitors and increase tourism
revenues.
BC Sales
% $millions
%
Retail Category
$millions
Super
Markets/Groceries
All Other Food
157.2
25.9
0.24
0.27
9,621.00
934.70
14.70
9.79
Beer/Wine, and
Liquor
37.5
0.25
Clothing
24.4
0.14
2,396.30
2,164.60
16.19
12.76
9.9
0.18
688.90
12.53
0.32 12,881.20
12.67
98.8
0.29
4,825.10
14.03
10.4
0.11
1,100.00
12.00
8.2
84.0
0.17
0.36
731.90
3,012.00
14.78
12.91
20.3
0.22
2,029.50
28.13
133.2
0.29
5,571.30
12.02
16.4
0.16
1,586.10
15.21
86.6
0.33
3,099.30
11.87
0.17 1,748.80
0.27 52,390.70
16.51
13.36
Shoes/Accessories
Motor
Vehicles/Recreation
Gas Service Stations
Household
Furniture/Appliances
Household
Furnishings
Home Hardware
Home Electronics
and Computer
Software
Department and
Other Retail
Miscellaneous
Pharmacy/ Personal
Care
Sporting Goods/
Hobby/ Music
TOTAL
328.0
17.9
1058.7
53
there are indications that Chilliwack’s trade sector is in an
provincial benchmark. These are supermarkets and
ascending performance phase, and actually bringing in
groceries, motor vehicle sales, gas stations and general
new spending from outside areas as it develops into a
merchandise. Collectively, these account for more than
regional trade and service centre.
70% of all spending. It is also believed that these retail
sub-sectors are responsible for drawing outside markets
Chilliwack’s strategic location as the largest
commercial centre south of Kamloops on the Trans
into the region.
Canada Highway is a draw for out-of-town shoppers who
want service and price without the inconvenience of the
traffic and congestion of Vancouver. Meanwhile, the
Attraction
The appeal of Chilliwack as a wholesale distribution
centre of population of the Lower Mainland is gradually
centre is easy to understand. Reasonable real estate prices,
shifting eastward, bringing more Greater Vancouver
available inventories of developed land, convenient access
residents within an easy distance from Chilliwack’s
to the Trans Canada Highway, close proximity to the US
shopping areas.
border, and an abundance of nearby multi-modal services
(rail, port, highway, airport) provide numerous advantages
Chilliwack Retail Market
for wholesalers and distributors serving the Lower
Major retailers are experiencing sales that exceed their
Mainland and the rest of the province.
projections. This strong sales growth has stimulated the
expansion of commercial inventory and drawn new
retailers and wholesalers into the region. With this have
Employment
Between 1981 and 1996, the proportion of the local
come more and better retail and service options for
labour force employed in trade has risen from 80% of the
residents and fewer spending leakages.
provincial average to 120% of the provincial average.
The total estimated retail spending by Chilliwack
There are very few communities in the province with a
residents in 2004 is $681M, less than 2% of total
retail employment performance better than the provincial
provincial spending.
benchmark (dominated as it is by Greater Vancouver
There are four retail categories which account for the
bulk of spending in Chilliwack and which exceed the
municipalities). Chilliwack’s performance is believed to be
the result, first, of its tremendous population growth over
the last 20 years, and second, because of shifting
demographics in the Lower Mainland which has resulted
Major Retail/Trade Employers
Company
Save-On-Foods
Real Canadian Superstore
Canada Safeway
Sears
Wal-Mart
Zellers Department Store
Canadian Tire
Future Shop / Best Buy
Country Garden Limited
*10 are seasonal
Employees
450
340
178
165
156
90
71
53
*50
54
in an expanding zone of influence for local trade-related
businesses.
BUSINESS FORMATIONS
City of Chilliwack
Business Licences
With 2,915 business licenses in 2004, business
growth in the City of Chilliwack remains strong.
Business Formations & Failures
Incorporations
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
204
163
200
251
261
Bankruptcies
Business
Consumer
22
213
28
210
37
163
21
184
12
153
Source: Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy,
Government of Canada, 2005
Year
Total Licences
1996
1997
1998
1999
2003
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
New Licences
2600
2800
2690
2726
2706
2777
2771
2764
2915
3649
474
504
413
405
382
411
482
485
468
734
Top Five Employers
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
COMPANY
Following is a list of Chilliwack’s major employers.
Refer to the Economic Sectors (previous) for the number
of employees in each sector.
EMPLOYEES
Stream
Chilliwack School District
Save-On-Foods
Sto:lo Nation
1,300
1,524
1,200
450
376
Major Employment Sectors
Forestry/Fishing/
Mining: 2%
Public
Administration: Finance/Insurance/
13%
Real Estate: 3%
Services: 33%
Transportation/
Communications/
Public Utilities: 7%
Agriculture: 7%
Trade: 19%
Construction: 8%
Manufacturing: 8%
NOTE: Although not identified in this pie chart, Film, Technology, and Tourism are sectors which are demonstrating
significant growth potential
55
Number of Employees by Industry
Industry
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing &
Hunting
Chilli- Langley Langley
FVRD wack
DM
C
7870
1860
2980
Mining, Oil & Gas Extraction
285
50
0
20
Utilities
200
35
75
30
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail trade
145
2540
9700
1300
340
11625
1795
5015
1795
2440
625
2375
905
10880
3270
5170
2355
Transportation & Warehousing
2730
500
1400
395
Information & Cultural Ind.
1080
230
610
150
Finance & Insurance
2505
690
1010
570
Real Estate/Rental/Leasing
1530
460
515
285
Professional/Scientific/Tech
3570
885
1610
620
Management Companies
Admin, Support, Waste Service &
Remediation
35
10
40
15
1920
460
610
320
Educational Service
6390
1665
2630
735
Health & Social Service
9425
2875
2960
1185
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
1395
400
750
150
Accommodation, Food & Beverage
7055
1895
1545
1200
Other Service (excl. pub admin)
Public Administration
4785
1335
1900
810
5205
1105
945
335
Source: HRSDC, 2003
*No te: FVRD=Fraser Valley Regio nal District, which includes Chilliwack
WORKFORCE
Chilliwack’s current labour force is estimated at about
35,000 people, representing a participation rate of 58.2%
(based on the population of 15 and over). There are also a
total of 260,247 people who live within a 30-minute
commute of Chilliwack.
The percentage of workforce by industry is illustrated
in the previous pie-chart.
Commuting Patterns
Chilliwack has traditionally been a “bedroom”
community with a significant portion of its population
commuting outside of the City for work. According to
year 2000 figures about 20% of the population commute
outside of the community for work. However, the trend
is changing. With Chilliwack’s growing population,
growing attractiveness as a business centre, and with
major additions like Stream, more and more people are
Labour Force Commuting Patterns
Within City of Chilliwack
36,792 people
Chilliwack Residents who commute outside the
community
● 12.56% commute to other municipalities
within the Fraser Valley Regional District
● 8.44% commute to other communities outside of
the Fraser Valley Regional District
Other area residents who commute to Chilliwack
● 3,640 total commute from other areas
● 945 from Abbotsford (580 male / 365 female)
● 1,315 from Fraser Valley Sub-Region
(655 male / 660 female)
● 1,020 from Greater Vancouver Regional District
(635 male / 385 female)
● 145 from Mission (80 male / 65 female)
● 215 from First Nation (120 male / 95 female)
Source: HRSDC, 2000
56
Participation Rate
Population Labour Employed Participation
56,450
36,792
33,217
65.2%
58,200
37,600
34,700
64.6%
59,600
34,700
32,100
58.2%
2002
2003
2004
Source: HRSDC, 2004
Education Level of Workforce
Chilliwack produces more young workers with a high
school graduation certificate, trade certificate or
obtaining work within Chilliwack.
There are also a significant number of people who
diploma and college certificate or diploma than the
reside in other areas and commute to Chilliwack for
British Columbia average. This is in keeping with a
employment. According to Service Canada, about 3,640
common local opinion that Chilliwack produces highly
people commute from other areas to Chilliwack.
skilled employees.
Education Level of Workforce
university
certificate or
diploma
college
certificate or
diploma
trades
certificate or
diploma
high school
graduation
certificate
less than a high
school
CHILLIWACK 12.5%
BC 23.5%
CHILLIWACK 17.4%
BC 17.0%
CHILLIWACK
BC
CHILLIWACK 12.1%
BC 10.5%
CHILLIWACK 37.1%
BC 34.5%
CHILLIWACK 20.9%
BC 14.6%
Source: Statistics Canada (aged 20 to 34), 2001
57
Percentage Receiving Benefits
UNEMPLOYMENT
BASIC BC
BENEFITS
Unemployment Rates
EI
About 7% of the Chilliwack labour force is
unemployed. This is roughly equal to the provincial
average. Also, the largest unemployed groups are aged 15
to 19, which is also comparable to the provincial average.
More information is available in the Appendix.
Under 19
19-24
25-54
55-64
19-64
Chilli.
BC
Chilli.
BC
6.5
6.6
4.5
3.0
4.5
5.6
3.7
3.2
2.2
3.1
4.1
4.0
1.5
3.6
2.5
3.4
1.5
3.0
Source: BC Stats, Prepared using admisnitrative files from the BC
Ministry of Human Resources, and HRSDC
Unemployment by Age
Unemployment by Education Level
2001
2002
2003
AGE
15+
6.3
7.9
7.6
15-19
14.6
18.9
12.7
15-24
11.0
12.9
7.6
20-24
8.8
9.4
8.7
25-29
7.0
8.1
8.7
15-29
9.2
10.9
11.3
25-44
5.9
7.6
7.0
25-54
5.5
7.1
6.7
45-64
4.9
6.0
6.3
55+
5.3
6.0
6.5
* 2003 rates only comprise first 3 quarters.
Total (highest level of schooling)
Less than Grade 9
Grades 9-13 without Secondary Certificate
Grades 9-13 with Secondary Certificate
Trades Certificate or Diploma
College without Certificate or Diploma
College with Certificate or Diploma
University without Certificate or Diploma
University with Certificate or Diploma
With Bachelor’s Degree or greater
Unemployed %
2,845
8.5
115
12.8
965
13.4
405
7.3
385
7.8
225
8.4
370
6.2
205
10.6
50
4.5
120
3.6
Source: Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), 2003
Source: Human Resources Skills Development
Canada (HRSDC), 2003
Profile of EI Claimants by Skill Level*
HRDC Surrey
Fraser Valley
HRDC Chilliwack
Management OCCS
Skill Level A
Skill Level B
Skill Level C
Skill Level D
366
454
2,205
3,244
1,807
288
384
2,024
3,045
1,794
75
83
457
523
356
TOTAL
8,076
7,535
1,494
*These skill levels are from the National Occupational Classification. Skill Level A jobs normally require a
university degree (bachelors, masters or post-graduate). Skill Level B requires tw o to three years of postsecondary education at a community college, or tw o to four years of apprenticeship training, or three to four
years of secondary school w ith more than tw o years of on-the-job training. Skill Level C requires one to four
years of secondary school and up to tw o years of on-the-job training. Skill Level D jobs require tw o years of
secondary school training and short w ork demonstration or on-the-job training. Management occupations are
not assigned to a skill level category because factors other than education (e.g. previous experience, capital)
are often more.
Source: HRSDC, 2003
58
INCOME
higher than Alberta ($7.00 CAD) and Ontario
Chilliwack’s “median” household income is $42,042
($7.75 CAD). (See Appendix for more details). Of
per year. (The “average” is slightly higher at $55,895
course, actual wages will vary with the type of work and
(Canadian Demographics, Financial Post 2004). The
the experience level of the employee.
average full-time male worker earns $43,881 per annum,
which is slightly lower than the British Columbia average
Comparatively, Chilliwack’s average family income is
strong in relation to other cities of its size.
of $50,159. (But this does not take into account
Chilliwack’s lower cost of living). This income level has
Median Household Income
remained relatively stable over the past 10 years, without
Median Household Income
significant fluctuations. The average rate of income
Chilliwack
British
Columbia
$46,802
increase over the past 10 years has been 2.2%, according
All households
$42,042
to Service Canada.
One-person households
$18,913
$23,703
Tw o-or-more-person households
$51,451
$57,773
British Columbia’s minimum wage is $8 per hour.
This rate is comparatively lower than Washington ($9.54
Source: Stats Canada, 2004
CAD) and Oregon ($9.34 CAD). However, it is
Average Per Person Income
Chilliwack
Per Person Earnings
British Columbia
Total
Male
Female
Total
All persons w ith earnings (count)
37,320
20,156
17,164
Male
Average earnings (all persons w ith earnings)
$30,413
$37,311
$23,514
$35,909
$42,605
$29,213
Average earnings (w orked full year, full-time)
$41,839
$48,311
$35,367
$48,657
$56,242
$41,071
2,276,399 1,202,335
Female
1,074,064
Area Wage Data by Type of Employment
CDN$
US$
Entry Level Administrative Assistant
Classification
11.87-19.13
7.91-12.75
Entry Level IT/Help Desk Worker
12.28-20.04
8.19-13.36
Entry Level Customer Service Worker
10.37-15.75
6.91-10.50
Retail/Tele-Sales Worker
8.58-13.80
5.72-9.20
Account Management Rep
11.16-15.56
7.44-10.37
Travel Agent (w eekly)
10.02-13.11
6.68-8.74
Technical Support Rep:
14.77-22.28
9.85-14.85
Hotel Front Desk Clerk
9.59-12.13
6.39-14.20
Food and Beverage Server
7.22-8.34
4.81-5.56
Unskilled Medical Assistant
11.87-19.13
7.91-12.75
Administrative Clerk
11.87-19.13
7.91-12.75
Data Entry Clerk
10.70-15.80
7.13-10.00
Office Clerk Typist and Word Processor
10.70-15.80
7.13-10.00
Teller in Financial Services
11.16-15.56
7.44-10.37
Secretary
11.86-15.85
7.91-10.57
Avg. Household Income ($)
64,889
Vancouver
British Columbia
62,803
Abbotsford
60,350
55,402
Chilliwack
Victoria
45,463
Penticton
47,739
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
Source: Canadian Demographics, Financial Post 2005
* US funds (converted at 1.5)
Source: Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), 2000
59
Business Costs
COST-OF-LIVING
British Columbia’s cost
advantage comes from abundant,
inexpensive electricity and natural
gas, well-developed infrastructure,
proximity to markets, a cost effective
work force, and low inflation. Costs
for skilled technical and professional
workers can be as much as 40%
below comparable US centres.
Vancouver’s cost-of-living is very
competitive with major metropolitan
centres in the United States.
“Amongst the featured
cities in the 2006 KPMG
Competitive Alternatives
Study, Chilliwack ranked
as the most competitive
city on the Pacific Coast of
North America.”
KPMG, Competitive
Alternatives Study, 2006
Costs for secondary manufacturers
and technology firms are lower in British
Columbia compared to US jurisdictions.
Labour and production costs in
Canada are low in relation to the
United States and other G-7
countries. For instance, BC has
about 35% lower labour costs for
semi-skilled workers than
Washington State.
Canada also has lower employersponsored benefits, lower payroll tax and
better health insurance rates than the
United States.
Average Household
Expenditures $
Shelter
Food
Clothing
Transportation
Health and Personal
Recreation, etc.
Taxes and Securities
Other
Total
Cost of Living
92.5
Chilliw ack, BC
101.7
Kelow na, BC
Prince George, BC
88.6
Tacoma, WA
106.2
113.2
Portland, OR
182.4
San Francisco, CA
0.0
Source: Canadian Demographics,
Financial Post, 2006
155.8
Los Angeles, CA
50.0
100.0
150.0
11,071
6,229
2,123
7,524
2,416
4,417
13,152
8,275
55,207
200.0
Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index (4th Quarter 2004)
Cost of Living Index
Cost of Living
Index
100%
16%
28%
8%
Composite Grocery
Housing Utilities
Index
Items
10%
Transport.
5%
Health
Care
33% Misc.
Goods &
Services
Chilliwack, BC
92.5
108.3
89.2
80.3
107.3
48.2
93.9
Kelowna, BC
101.7
112.1
97.3
82.8
120
49.9
107.7
Prince George, BC
88.6
108.7
65.9
84.1
113.4
50.3
99.8
Tacoma, WA
106.2
113.9
98
97.5
112.6
136.6
107.4
Portland. WA
113.2
120.5
110.1
120.4
109.3
137.6
109.6
San Francisco, CA
182.4
145.1
312.4
104.9
120.7
132.8
126.4
Los Angeles, CA
155.8
119.8
250.6
116.4
116
100.9
114.6
Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index, (4th quarter 2004)
60
Consumer Price Index
BC also has a lower corporate tax burden than the
western American States, averaging out to about 30%. In
addition, BC is cutting taxes in a number of areas that will
130
advantageously affect business. Other tax benefits
125
include...
120
• Payroll taxes are lower in Canada than in any other G-7
country — about 16% versus nearly 25% in the United
States.
• Lower Health care Costs — about 22% lower than
BC
Canada
115
110
105
the United States.
100
• Lower statutory and employer benefits — Canadian
99
19
employer-sponsored plans and time not worked are
00
20
01
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
20
Consumer Price Index for British Columbia
Year
2005 (1992 Base)
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
123.6 123.8 124.1 124.9 125.2 125.4 125.7 125.9 126.5 126.3 126.2 125.7
Avg
123.1
Change Prior Year
2.3%
2.1%
2.1%
2.0%
1.5%
1.5%
1.9%
2.1%
2.4%
2.3%
2.0%
1.8%
2.0%
2004 (1992 Base)
120.8
121.3
121.6
122.4
123.4
123.6
123.4
123.3
123.5
123.5
123.7
123.5
120.6
Change Prior Year
1.5%
1.4%
0.8%
1.7%
2.5%
2.8%
2.4%
2.0%
1.9%
2.4%
2.4%
2.2%
2.1%
2003 (1992 Base)
119
119.6
120.6
120.4
120.4
120.2
120.5
120.9
121.2
120.6
120.8
120.9
120.4
Change Prior Year
3.1%
3.2%
3.4%
2.3%
1.9%
1.7%
1.7%
1.9%
2.0%
1.6%
1.6%
1.8%
2.3%
2002 (1992 Base)
115.4
115.9
116.6
117.7
118.1
118.2
118.5
118.7
118.8
118.7
118.8
118.8
117.9
Change Prior Year
0.8%
2.9%
2.9%
2.3%
2.2%
1.6%
1.9%
2.2%
1.8%
2.5%
3.3%
3.5%
2.3%
2001 (1992 Base)
114.5
112.6
113.3
115
115.6
116.3
116.3
116.1
116.7
115.8
114.9
114.8
115.2
Change Prior Year
2.9%
1.1%
0.9%
2.3%
2.5%
2.7%
1.8%
1.8%
2.1%
1.1%
0.3%
0.4%
1.7%
2000 (1992 Base)
111.3
111.4
112.3
112.4
112.8
113.2
114.2
114.1
114.3
114.5
114.5
114.3
113.3
Change Prior Year
1.3%
1.2%
1.8%
1.3%
1.5%
1.5%
2.0%
2.1%
2.1%
2.4%
2.7%
2.4%
1.9%
1999 (1992 Base)
109.9
110.1
110.3
111
111.1
111.5
112
111.8
112.2
111.8
111.5
111.6
111.2
Change Prior Year
0.2%
0.5%
0.5%
1.1%
0.7%
1.0%
1.4%
1.3%
2.0%
1.5%
1.5%
1.7%
1.1%
1998 (1992 Base)
109.7 109.5
0.4% -0.1%
109.8
0.1%
109.8
0.2%
110.3
0.3%
110.4
0.4%
110.4
0.5%
110.4
0.4%
110
0.0%
110.1
0.4%
109.9
0.2%
109.7
0.3%
110
0.3%
139
0.7%
139.4
0.9%
139.6
0.9%
139.4
0.6%
139.9
0.9%
139.9
0.9%
139.7
0.9%
139.9
1.1%
139.9
0.9%
139.5
0.6%
139.6
0.6%
139.2
0.4%
139.6
0.8%
Change Prior Year
138.1
1.5%
138.2
1.2%
138.4
1.0%
138.5
1.2%
138.7
1.2%
138.6
1.0%
138.5
0.2%
138.4
0.4%
138.6
0.8%
138.6
0.8%
138.8
0.7%
138.7
0.7%
138.5
0.9%
1995 (1986 Base)
136.1
136.6
137
136.9
137.1
137.2
138.2
137.9
137.5
137.5
137.9
137.7
137.3
Change Prior Year
1997 (1986 Base)
Change Prior Year
1996 (1986 Base)
61
only 27.1% of salary and wages, compared to 41.7%
due on unearned income (i.e.: Dividend) and Capital
in the United States.
Gains.
• Lower Premiums and Liability — Canada applies
lower premiums and limits company liability, unlike
the United States where unlimited liability is the norm.
• For more information on taxes, see the Appendix.
Energy Costs
Canada’s cost of electricity is cheaper than the USA
and all European communities — with superior reliability
in Chilliwack: 99.923% to be exact. (See Utilities).
Land Costs
Canada has the lowest land and construction costs
compared to the G-7 countries. In Chilliwack, the average
cost for commercial or industrial land is about $100,000
per acre for undeveloped land and $175,000 to $250,000
per acre for partially developed land. Agricultural land is a
mere $20,000 to $30,000 per acre, depending on the
quality of land and the location.
TAXATION
Corporate Taxation Rates
Corporate tax rates vary depending on the
classification of a corporation as public or private. The
basic federal tax rate is 13.12% for small business, 22.12%
for business earning more than $300,000, 22.12% for
manufacturing business, and 22.12% for nonmanufacturing businesses (2005).
The provincial corporate tax rate is 4.5% for small
business, 13.5% for manufacturing business, and 13.5%
for non-manufacturing businesses.
As such the total corporate tax rate is 17.62%,
26.62%, and 35.62% respectively.
Personal Income Tax Rates
Federal tax rates range from 16% to 29% with surtax
of 3% to 8% applied to basic federal tax, depending on
the level of tax. Provincial tax rates on earned income in
BC ranges from 6.05% to 14.70%. Other taxes may be
62
Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial
Sales Tax (PST):
The GST is a 7% tax charged on the sale of most
goods and services in Canada. Provincial sales tax in
British Columbia is 7%. This tax is in addition to the GST
and applies generally to the retail value of goods.
Property Tax Rates
Property Tax is applicable to residential and
commercial properties. This property tax is usually
calculated by the City of Chilliwack
(www.chilliwack.com).
NOTE: See the Appendix for more information on
Taxation.
number of Lower Mainland families searching for
HOUSING
affordable, high quality single family housing.
There are currently 27,189 households in Chilliwack
Residential Growth
with an average household size of 3 persons. In spite of
In the early 1990’s, housing development started to
Chilliwack’s large rural and farming sector, Chilliwack is
essentially an urban community. About 80% of its
move onto the hillsides, namely into Promontory, a
households are located in urban or suburban areas.
hillside community with a planned capacity of 10,000 (this
Traditionally, Chilliwack proper has been the location of
area is still undergoing development). The Eastern
most of the urban housing units, but as land in the valley
Hillsides has also been planned for fully serviced urban
floor is protected and reserved for agricultural land,
development, with an ultimate capacity for 13,000 people.
growth is spreading through Sardis-Vedder and up the
Chilliwack Mountain could also accommodate a certain
hillsides.
amount of growth up to a capacity of 4,500 people. Other
hillside-upland locations are being assessed in the ongoing
Housing Stock
official community plan review.
About 73% of all properties are owned; the remaining
properties are rented. Of the existing housing stock, 62%
Housing Stock
are single family detached, 20% apartments, and the rest
being townhouses, duplexes and mobile homes. The
dominance of these two types of housing is indicative of
the growing population and the increasing
Apartment
20%
Townhouse
11%
Households
2000
24,398
2001
24,767
2002
25,258
2003
25,883
2004
26,532
Single
Detached
61%
Manu. Home
4%
Duplex
4%
Chilliwack
British
Columbia
Total number of dwellings
24,245
1,534,335
Number of rented dwellings
6,900
506,585
670
751
Rented/Owned Dwellings
2005
27,189
2006
27,862
2007
28,559
2008
29,290
2009
30,027
Average gross monthly payments
for rented dwellings ($)
2010
30,774
Number of owned dwellings
17,310
1,017,490
2011
31,564
Average value of dwelling ($)
166,172
230,645
2021
40,990
819
90
Average monthly payments for
owner-occupied dwellings ($)
Source: Statistics Canada, 2001
63
Chilliwack Housing Starts
19
84
19
86
19
88
19
90
19
92
19
94
19
96
19
98
20
00
20
02
20
04
1400
1200
1000
800
Units
600
400
200
0
Single
Duplex
Townhouse
Apartment
Secondary Suites & Misc.
Mobile Home
Average Pattern of Housing Starts
(1977 to 2005)
Housing Starts
Housing starts indicate a significant
burst of activity in the mid-90s with a
peak of 1,266 in 1994. This number,
however, is not indicative of the last 30
years. Housing starts since 1971 have
averaged out to about 562 per year.
More information is available in the
Appendix.
Housing Starts (Percentage):
Single Detached vs. Multi-Family
100
80
60
64
01
98
95
92
89
04
20
20
19
19
19
86
dollars less than western areas of the Lower Mainland.
19
19
the cost of housing can be hundreds of thousands of
83
0
19
construction remains about the same.
80
20
19
Lower Mainland; however, the cost of
77
40
71
Chilliwack than other areas of the
Nevertheless,
Single
(Percentage)
Multi-Family
(Percentage)
120
19
Land costs are remarkably lower in
Single
61%
Duplex
2%
74
Housing Prices
Townhouse
14%
19
The projected growth for
Chilliwack’s housing segment is
estimated at 2.09%, which is marginally
more than Chilliwack’s estimated
population growth of 1.83% per
annum.
Apartment
20%
19
Household Projections
Mobile Home
2%
Conversion
1%
The average cost of home ownership in Chilliwack is
based on a 900 SF apartment, is around $670 per month
$220,553 (compared to the average BC cost of $348,947
compared to $751 in British Columbia.
Historically, the Fraser Valley’s vacancy rate
(2004)).
fluctuates between 0% and 4.3%. The last reported
Rental Housing
vacancy rate (by CMHC) is 4.6 percent, which is average
There are about 8,103 rented dwellings, which
in the Fraser Valley. However, with recent low mortgage
includes 3,000 licensed rental apartments, plus another
interest rates, many would-be renters are entering the
500 unlicensed rental units in Chilliwack. Approximately
ownership market, causing an increased rental market
54% of the rental apartments are one-bedroom units, and
vacancy rate.
39% two-bedroom units. Average rental rates,
Subsidized Housing
Subsidized housing is usually developed and managed
by non-profit organizations. In Chilliwack, there are
Average Housing Prices
Single Family Detached
$220,553
Condominium/Apartment
$95,102
Mobile Home
$49,576
Multi-Family Attached
$149,483
House & Acreage
$379,245
Source: Chilliwack Real Estate Board, 2005
about 10 subsidized developments for seniors and/or for
needy families.
The demand for subsidized housing always surpasses the
supply. To help bridge such gap, a provincial program
called S.A.F.E.R. (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters) has
been instrumental in placing the needy seniors in standard
market rental apartments.
Special Housing
Non-profit organizations are also involved in
establishing group homes for those physically or mentally
challenged. Usually they are located within existing
residential neighbourhoods to provide a normal living
Housing Price Comparison
environment for their residents. (Contact the Chilliwack
$900,000
Society for Community Living at 604-792-7726 for more
$800,000
information).
$700,000
There are also a number of private congregated
$600,000
$500,000
housing projects for seniors which are designed to meet
$400,000
$300,000
the special needs of seniors for independent living, and
$200,000
offer common dining and living facilities. Some of them
$100,000
administer limited personal health programs. Contact the
$0
Single Family Detached
Chilliw ack
Attached
Abbotsford
Apartment
Seniors Resource Bureau at 604-858-9898.
Vancouver
Source: Chilliwack, Fraser Valley & Greater Vancouver Real Estate Boards, 2006
65
DEVELOPMENT
Chilliwack continues to undergo significant urban
development in the industrial, commercial/retail,
Commercial Sector
The commercial sector continues to expand
residential and public sectors. This development boom
proportionately with the increase in population. Over the
has been fueled by a number of factors such as lower
past few years there has been an influx of larger
property taxes, land prices and development cost charges
commercial/retail stores such as the Canadian Superstore,
as well as population growth.
Staples, Future Shop, Petcetera and Wal-Mart. Chilliwack
Industrial Sector
has also experienced an increase in smaller
The industrial sector within Chilliwack has grown
substantially over the past few years with the
development of three new business parks: Chilliwack
Business Estates, Highway 1 Business Park and
Chilliwack Mountain Business Park. In total, these
developments have created an additional 200+/- acres of
industrial lands.
There are two main industrial areas in Chilliwack:
Village West (including Chilliwack Business Estates,
Highway 1 Business Park and Chilliwack Mountain
Business Park) that accounts for about 75% of the
industrial land and the rural areas (including Legacy
Pacific Industrial Park) that account for about 25% of the
industrial land. There is also a small percentage of
industrial land in Chilliwack Proper and Sardis-Vedder.
Approximately 240 industrial businesses occupy 150,000
square meters of building space. Based on floor space,
three sectors stand out: wood (occupying 26,746 square
meters); building materials (i.e.: metals, hardware,
plumbing, heating which occupies 12,385 square meters)
and storage and warehousing (occupying 11,119 square
meters). This is not surprising given that these industry
sectors require substantial floor space. (See the Appendix
retail/commercial establishments and strip malls.
The total occupied commercial floor space in
Chilliwack is estimated at 300,000 square meters, or about
three million sq.ft. Vacant commercial floor space is not
included, which could add another 5% to the retail/office
space inventory. (It should also be noted that about onequarter of the businesses in Chilliwack are home-based
and report no floor space). Of all occupied commercial
floor space about 55% is located in Chilliwack Proper,
40% in Sardis-Vedder, and the balance is scattered among
Village West, the outlying communities and the general
rural area. In terms of the major sectors, most of the floor
space — about 39% — is allocated to offices. About 32%
of the floor space is allocated to retail operations
(including food and automotive). And approximately 29%
of all commercial floor space is allocated to services
(including food, beverage, amusement, and personal).
In terms of the major groups, automotive dealerships
stand out as the largest at 52,017 square meters, followed
by food/beverage/drug retail at 37,784 square meters,
and general retail at 37,386 square meters. See the
Appendix for more statistical information on commercial
floor space.
for more information on industrial floor space).
NOTE: If you are interested in learning more about industrial or commercial real estate, view Chilliwack’s Property Database at:
www.chilliwackpartners.com or see what is available downtown: www.downtownchilliwack.com.
66
Industrial Projects (2001-2006)
economic development plan. Already it has attracted
•Auld Phillips Warehouse (8040 Evans Parkway): A
its first customer, Kal Tire. (Under construction)
warehouse with a construction value of $1.2M and
19,400 sq.ft., located in Chilliwack Business Estates.
•Cattermole Timber (7530 Cannor Road et. al.): In 2004,
this forestry company succeeded in excluding from
•Hodgson Heavy Duty Services (8094 Lickman Road): This
truck and trailer repair business recently expanded and
moved into a new $1.5M facility in 2004.
•Kal Tire (43990 Progress Way – Highway 1 Business
the ALR and rezoning 200 plus acres of its dry log
Park): This project will result in the largest tire storage
sorting area for industrial park development (just west
facility in Western Canada. The 230,000 sq.ft. facility
of Chilliwack Mountain). At present, the planning
will act as a retreading plant and warehouse /
and site improvements of the Cattermole Industrial
distribution centre. (Under development)
Park are still ongoing and there is no change to
•Lear Properties. (8030 Enterprise Drive): A 9-unit
Cattermole Timber’s operation at its present location.
warehouse with a construction value of $700,000;
Nevertheless, Langley Concrete Group is already
18,000 sq.ft. of industrial floor space.
building a concrete precast plant at the Cattermole
site and will become the park’s first resident.
•Century Plumbing and Heating Ltd. (8055 Evans Parkway):
•Legacy Pacific Industrial Park (44488/44550 South Sumas
Road): This private industrial park has undergone
major renovations and growth in recent years,
This local company moved into their new
including a new $1.4M building in 2003. In 2005, the
manufacturing facility in the Chilliwack Business
owner embarked on an expansion plan that is
Estates industrial park in 2003.
centered on a new building that is 286,000 sq.ft. The
•Chill Air Conditioning (7870 Enterprise Drive): A
warehouse in Village West with 13,100 sq.ft.
•Chilliwack Mountain Business Park: A new 40-acre
industrial park comprised of fully serviced lots. The
new building, which costs $12M, is still under
construction (as of July 2006) and it is targeted to the
food processing industry.
•Langley Concrete Group (7580 Cannor Road): This new
property is located near the Trans Canada Highway
plant manufactures concrete precast products. It
and will be intersected by a new road which will
encloses almost 114,260 sq.ft. of floor space, at a
extend from Aitken Road North to Lickman Road.
construction cost of $3.2M. It is the first industrial
(Under development)
development at the Cattermole Industrial Park. (See
•FC Holding Mini-storage (44335 Yale Road): This $1.6M,
89,000 sq.ft. mini-storage was constructed in 2001.
Cattermole Timber)
•Murray Coopers Holding – Helicopter Hangar/Office (44854
•Glen Valley Lumber (8133 Aitken Road): A warehouse for
Broadway Street): The building plan was approved in
lumber storage and a construction value of $1.1M.
December 2005, and construction will soon begin for
The warehouse covers 41,250 sq.ft.
this helicopter hangar/office. The project will yield
•Highway 1 Business Park (8287 Lickman Road and
13,400 sq.ft. of floor space on its 9.66-acre site next to
43650/43700/43850/43990 Progress Way): A new
the municipal airport. Its construction is valued at
industrial park is taking shape just north of the
$820,000, and upon completion, it will firmly establish
Lickman Interchange. It integrates with the City’s
Chilliwack’s reputation in the helicopter business.
existing industrial district, Village West, and has
(Under construction)
single-handedly created an 84-acre industrial reserve
(34 ha) that is vital to the City’s next 10-year
•River Valley Estates – Chilliwack Business Estates (44981
Commercial Court): It is a 27-strata industrial lot
subdivision. Two new buildings have been
67
constructed with a value of $1.5M and $1.2M, and a
developments to Luckakuck Way East, including
floor space of 2,787 square meters and 3,649 square
Centre Point Plaza.
meters, respectively.
•Rogers Foods Ltd. (44360 Simpson Road): In January 2003,
Tire moved from Yale Road (in Chilliwack proper) to
Rogers Foods Ltd. announced that it had selected
its current location on Vedder Road – opposite to
Chilliwack as the location for its new, $11M
Chilliwack Mall. The big-format store covers 60,000
(construction value) state-of-the-art flour mill. The
sq.ft., and is at present adding another 17,000 sq.ft.
facility was completed in 2004 and is known as Rogers
with a construction value of $1.5M. It is supported
Foods Ltd. - Pacific Division (Chilliwack). It has a
by two other businesses on site: the BC Liquor Store
capacity of producing 250 tonnes of flour per day. Its
and Sardis Town Pantry and Triple O’s (Chevron-
primary customers are commercial bakers, food
White Spot). This “virtual mall” reinforces the retail
processors and distributors in the Lower Mainland. It
cluster in the Sardis core that includes Cottonwood
also plans to export to Pacific Rim countries. The
Mall, Chilliwack Mall, the Canadian Superstore and
new facility has a total floor area of 42,625 sq.ft.
Centre Point Plaza.
•Stream (7955 Evans Parkway): Stream came to Chilliwack
•Centre Point Plaza (45793 Luckakuck Way): This 4.5 acre
in 2001 and is the largest establishment in Chilliwack
outdoor mall has a total floor space of over 60,000
Business Estates (an industrial park on Yale Road
sq.ft. Its major occupants are Future Shop (close to
West). It is an IT (Information Technology) technical
20,000 sq.ft.), Petcetera (13,720 sq.ft.) and a local law
support centre with 1579 employees, which makes it
firm, Waterstone Law Group.
one of the largest employers in Chilliwack. The
•Cottonwood Mall (45585 Luckakuck Way): The
building was constructed in 2001 at a cost of $3.5M. It
businesses in the mall have regularly undergone
was subsequently converted by Stream, adding
renovations individually. In 2005 and 2006, the Mall
$11.2M improvement to the property.
itself initiated a $1M renovation to its interior, which
•Surelock Storage Addition (43903 Industrial Way): This
$1M expansion will add 19,000+ sq.ft. to an existing
mini-storage facility. (Under construction)
•West Coast Amusements Storage (8094 Lickman Road):
when added to the renovations by individual tenants,
rose to $2.03M.
•Five Corners Plaza (45960 Wellington Avenue): This $2M
plus, 18,000 sq.ft. office building, completed in May
This industrial storage building (67,500 sq.ft.) has a
2002, is a private venture in the downtown. It was
construction value of $1.5M.
developed as part of a public-private initiative known
•Westeck Windows (8104 Evans Parkway): A manufacturing
as the Five Corners Project that includes the new
facility at Chilliwack Business Estates with a
Court House and the Millennium Clock
construction value of $1.2M and 37,600 sq.ft.
Tower/Courtyard. The new office building is now
Commercial / Retail Projects (20012006)
•Canadian Superstore (45779 Luckakuck Way): In 2002, the
Canadian Superstore underwent a $2M expansion,
adding 26,000 sq.ft. to its existing store, built in 1997,
68
•Canadian Tire (7560 Vedder Road): In 1999, Canadian
home to Family Justice, Community Corrections,
Crown Counsel and Chilliwack Economic Partners
Corporation (CEPCO). The Five Corners Plaza has
since become the symbol of a re-energized
downtown.
•Future Shop / Best Buy (45805 Luckakuck Way): This
to create a total of 112,000 sq.ft. The presence of
$1.6M project with close to 20,000 sq.ft., located in
Superstore has attracted a number of new retail
Centre Point Plaza, opened in 2001.
•Safeway Centre (45850 Yale Road): Safeway Canada has
taken over the former City Gate Shopping Centre and
is relocating its “heritage” downtown store to this
open mall. The new supermarket, valued at $3.5M
(construction cost), has a total floor space of 51,839
sq.ft.: it is more than twice the size of the original
store. The construction/renovation of three CRU
buildings (25,255 sq.ft.) has also started, with a
reported construction value of $3M. Upon
•Mertin Hyundai (45753 Yale Road): The former Canadian
completion, the new Safeway Centre will have an
Tire site has been transformed into a Hyundai
expanded site area of 7.8 acres, and a total floor space
dealership at a construction value of $600,000.
of 77,415 sq.ft. (Under construction)
•Performance Honda (44954 Yale Road): The automobile
•Sardis Centre – G. Peters Enterprise (7592 Vedder Road):
dealer is relocating from its Young Road location to
This outdoor mall adjoins Canadian Tire and occupies
Village West – as part of its expansion plan. The new
2.94 acres. Its first phase, completed in 2004,
site is 2.6 acres and the new building, which reported
comprises three retail buildings for a total of 18,000
over $1.3M in construction value, provides almost
sq.ft. A fourth building has been completed and
18,000 sq.ft., twice the footprint of the existing
intended as an anchor for the mall.
facility. (Under construction)
•Petcetera (45793 Luckakuck Way): This retail location,
•Staples Business Plaza (7491 Vedder Road): This plaza
signals a new trend of mall development, namely,
opened in 2001, occupies 13,720 sq.ft. in Centre Point
redeveloping existing commercial sites. The anchor
Plaza.
store, Staples, was opened in 2002, followed by other
•Petro Canada Fuel Station (41420 Yale Road West): A new
retail and service businesses in 2003. The mall site is
commercial card lock truckstop near the Yale Road
compact (3.65 acres). It offers 46,000 sq.ft. of
West Interchange.
building space.
•Promontory Plaza - Promontory Developments Inc. (45800
•Valley Toyota (98750 Young Road): Valley Toyota has
Promontory Road): This outdoor mall represents a
moved from its Airport Road site to the commercial
significant addition to the commercial core of Vedder
corridor of Young Road. The new facility has 22,000
since 1997. Its gateway location (at the intersection of
sq.ft. of showroom/office space, and a total site area
Vedder Road and Promontory Road) has given it a
of 3.6 acres – more that twice its Airport Road site.
high profile, despite its relative small acreage (two
This sizable development ($2M construction value)
acres). The anchor store is Shoppers Drugmart
dominates the Young Road streetscape.
(16,454 sq.ft.), and other tenants include ScotiaBank,
•Village at Sardis Park (6760 Vedder Road): The commercial
two medical/dental offices and several CRUs. The
portion of this project includes 150,000 sq.ft.
total floor area is 32,454, for a construction value of
retail/office building, and will follow after the
$3.25M. (Under development)
residential development is completed. (Under
•Safeway – Chilliwack Mall (45610 Luckakuck): The
development)
Safeway store in Chilliwack Mall underwent a major
renovation in 2005 with a construction value of
$500,000.
69
Institutional / Public Projects (20012006)
agricultural and equestrian events in the Fraser Valley.
The Park features a seven-acre field that can host
•Canada Education Park (45220 Keith Wilson Road et.
outdoor concerts and festivals as well as camping. Its
al.): In March 2003, the City of Chilliwack, the
5/8-mile racetrack and rodeo arena carry on the
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation
Fraser Valley’s traditions of chuckwagon and chariot
(CEPCO), Canada Lands Company and additional
racing and rodeos. Heritage Park is the venue of the
partners, signed a memorandum of understanding to
annual Chilliwack Exhibition and home to the
officially kick-off the Canada Education Park project.
Atchelitz Threshermen’s Museum and Chilliwack
Over the next 10 years, the Park will unfold on a 135-
Visitor Information Centre.
acre site at the former Canadian Forces Base in
Vedder. Upon completion, the Park could showcase
seven major institutional facilities. Currently, the
RCMP Pacific Region Training Centre (already
operational), Justice Institute of BC facilities,
Secondary Wood Processing technology Centre
(affiliated with the University College of the Fraser
Valley), a new campus for UCFV (Chilliwack), a new
campus for Beijing Concord College of Sino-Canada
(in partnership with UCFV) and Beijing Union
This $13M recreation centre, located at the former
United Nations’ initiative), and possibly a Science and
Exhibition Grounds, opened in August of 2002 and
Technology Park (for private enterprises). Future
showcases the following amenities: Indoors: a large
activities will revolve around post-secondary and post
family wave pool, therapeutic pools, a competition
graduate education/research/training, industrial
pool, a fitness area for weight training, cardiovascular
research and enterprising, Criminal Justice programs
equipment, an aerobics studio and wellness centre
sponsored by the RCMP, UCFV and the Justice
(with physiotherapy services), a restaurant, a pro shop,
Institute of BC, First Nations training programs,
and meeting rooms for community use. Outdoors: a
international studies, and health science programs.
water playground for children, basketball court, sand
The Canada Education Park is still a work in progress
volleyball court and a skateboard park.
as diverse interests converge and new ideas flow.
•Chilliwack Law Courts (46085 Yale Road): The Chilliwack
There is no fixed construction plan and schedule yet
Court House represents a $5.5M plus (construction
as more public announcements are expected in the
value only) public investment in the downtown.
near future.
Although it contains 32,000 sq.ft. of space many of
•Chilliwack Heritage Park (7778 Lickman Road): Chilliwack
Heritage Park has replaced the old Exhibition
Grounds near the city center. The new Park building
was completed in 2001 at a cost of $6M. Its main
feature, a contiguous floor area of 153,000 sq.ft., has
led to this facility becoming a premiere venue for
large scale exhibitions, trade shows, conventions, and
70
•Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre (9145 Corbould Street):
University, a new World Trade University campus (a
the court-related uses are housed in the adjacent Five
Corners Plaza, a private design-build office building.
•Chilliwack Senior Secondary (46361 Yale Road): An addition
with a construction value of $2.4M was added.
•Fraser Valley Regional District / Chilliwack #1 Fire Hall
The Prospera Centre consists of two arenas, of which
(45950 Cheam Avenue): The Fraser Valley Regional
the main arena has 5,700 seats. Its amenities include a
District and the Chilliwack #1 Fire Hall have moved
food services area and recreation-related retail space.
to a new four-storey building on the corner of Young
Construction began in the summer of 2003, and the
and Cheam. The new building features over 47,000
facility was open in the fall of 2004. In 2005, it
sq.ft. of floor space and represents a $6M public
expanded its seating capacity to accommodate a new
investment in the downtown. The Fraser Valley
junior hockey franchise (Chilliwack Bruins). The
Regional District occupies the second, third and
project cost $21.5M (including the seating expansion)
fourth floors while the ground level is shared with
and was funded through a public-private partnership
business uses and the City’s No. 1 Fire Hall. This
between the City and Chiefs Development Group.
development is expected to invigorate the Young
•Strathcona Elementary School Renovation (46375 Strathcona
Road neighborhood (residential redevelopment) and
Road): This project involves the exterior only, costing
the commercial corridor toward the Five Corners
$1.2M. It is part of the School District’s ongoing
Plaza.
improvement program with its existing schools.
•G.W. Graham Middle School (45955 Thomas Road):
•Timothy Christian Expansion (50484 Castleman Road):
Construction of this new secondary school (Gr. 7-13)
This independent school (elementary and secondary
began in May 2005, and it is expected to receive
grades) is adding new classrooms (7,642 sq.ft.) at a
students in September 2006. The building will cost
cost of $1.1M in construction value.
$18.5M (construction only), and offer 127,000 sq.ft.
of space. Its 13.8-acre site on Thomas Road is part of
the former Canadian Forces Base, which is now a new
•Twin Rinks (5725 Tyson Road): A $1.3M addition of 9,400
sq.ft. was added to the City’s second arena.
•Unity Christian School - Secondary (50950 Hack Brown
residential neighborhood in the making. (This is in
Road): This new regional secondary school is
addition to the Garrison Crossing site.)
operated by the Chilliwack Christian School Society.
•Prospera Centre (45323 Hodgins Avenue): This new
It has a total floor space of 38,000 sq.ft. and has been
102,000 sq.ft. facility replaces the Coliseum as the
in operation since the fall of 2003. It is a major
venue for junior hockey, national level tournaments
addition to the independent school capacity in
and concerts. The facility marks a giant step forward
Chilliwack.
in the City’s recreation plan and “hockey vision”, and
•Vedder Interchange Improvement (Trans Canada Highway):
The new Vedder Road Interchange at the Trans
Canada Highway added two bridges with four lanes
and exit ramps reconfigured to modern standards.
These improvements have not only removed a major
bottleneck in the Chilliwack/Sardis traffic corridor
but also provided a safer passage for both bicycles
and pedestrians as it allows more efficient exit
to/from the highway. The new Interchange is
expected to benefit the business district of Sardis and
enhance the strategic significance of lands
gives a significant boost to the local economy, tourism
immediately north of the Interchange. The project,
and civic pride.
completed in 2004, cost $12.4M, which was equally
71
shared by the Federal Government, the Province and
•Birch Street Condominium Apartment (9040 Birch Street): A
the City under the Canada / BC Infrastructure
58-unit apartment project with a construction value of
Program.
$4.7M. (Under construction)
•World Trade University (WTU) (Canada Education Park):
•Broadway Apartments (9473 Broadway Street): A 50-unit
The WTU, launched in Brussels at the 3rd UN
rental apartment project with a construction value of
Conference on Least Developed Nations in March
$2.2M.
2001, is a global education and partnership initiative
•Cascade Lodge (45586 McIntosh Drive): this private care
that primarily focuses on providing advanced
facility (54 beds) is adding a second floor (17,460
educational opportunities in world trade to
sq.ft.) at a construction cost of $1.7M. In 2005, a new
entrepreneurs and executives in developing countries
congregate housing wing (48 units) – Cascade Manor
and emerging economies. The 20,196 sq.ft. WTU
– was built on the same site with a construction cost
global headquarters, formerly the headquarters for the
of $3M. The facility now provides a continuum of
Canadian Forces Base - Chilliwack, underwent major
seniors’ care and housing.
renovations and opened in 2005. In 2006, the WTU
•Central Parkside Development (8830 Nowell Street): A 23-
has developed plans for offering courses to 800
townhouse unit on the former Robinson Annex
students with an ultimate goal of 2,000 students by
Elementary School site with a construction value of
2020.
$1,872,250.
Residential Projects (2001-2006)
Chilliwack Mountain
•Cedar Park Townhouses (43733 Chilliwack Mountain
Road): A development, completed in 2004, comprised
of 39 single family dwelling units.
•Copper Ridge (43733 Chilliwack Mountain Road et. al.): A
39 single family dwelling lot subdivision in 15 phases.
There have been 13 phases completed for a total of
34 lots.
•Maple Hills Estates (8590 Sunshine Drive): A townhome
project on Chilliwack Mountain. There have been
121 out of 142 built, the balance under construction.
•Westpointe (43733 Chilliwack Mountain Road): An upscale 16-duplex development.
Chilliwack Proper
•B.A.B. Enterprises (46675 Yale Road): This is a mixed
•Cessna Landing (46321 Cessna Drive): A 31-unit
townhouse project completed.
•Country Ridge Estates (9232 Woodbine Avenue): A 24-unit
townhouse project.
•Crystal Ridge Manor (45665 McIntosh Drive): The former
ICBC building has been converted into 24 congregate
care housing units.
•Double D Developments (8977 Edward Street): A 42-unit
rental apartment with a construction value of $2.5M.
•Double D Developments (9005 Edward Street): A 42-unit
rental apartment with a construction value of $2.2.M.
•Double Developments (9005 Edward Street): A 42-unit
apartment building development with a construction
value of $2.5M was completed in 2004.
•Eden Park (8881 Walters Street): A 88-unit townhouse
project.
•Edward Street (8910/8916/8922/8928/8934/8940/8946
commercial/residential development at a
Edward Street): Rezoning 28-unit townhouse
neighborhood commercial centre. It comprises
development has been completed. Building permit
almost 20,000 sq.ft. of commercial space on the
application is anticipated in 2006.
ground floor, and 14 apartment units on the upper
floors. The total construction value is $1.8M.
•Edwardburg Development Phase 1 (9239 Edward Street): A
36-unit rental apartment project with a construction
value of $1.5M.
72
•Edwardburg Development Phase 2 (9259 Edward Street): A
•The Waverly (8445 Young Road): In addition to its
33-unit rental apartment with a construction value of
existing 53 licensed care beds, this private residential
$1.5M.
care facility has just completed 66 congregate housing
•Higgs Development (8917 Edward Street): A 21-unit
townhouse project.
•Hodgins Manor (45555 Hodgins Avenue): A $14.2M
“assisted living” housing project will add 98
“independent living” units for Chilliwack’s seniors.
Its presence will firmly establish the west side of the
downtown as a popular location for seniors’ housing
development – with the area’s concentration of
health, recreational, shopping and personal services.
•King Edward Developments Ltd. (8939 and 8927 Edward
Street): A 41-unit condominium apartment with a
construction value of $3.5M. This project signals the
final stage of the redevelopment trend on Edward
Street that began in 2003. In a short three-year
timeframe, the street has been transformed from an
older, small single rental neighborhood into a multifamily housing area. Its townhouses and apartments
have created a lively mix of family and single
households. At this time, the street is fully
redeveloped except for two vacant sites and the
Columbia Tower.
•Mieka’s Care Centre (46170 Margaret Avenue et. al.): A
residential care facility proposal for Alzheimer
residents, with a potential capacity for 200 units. Its
rezoning application has been on hold at 3rd reading.
•The Broadway Maples (9473 Broadway Street): A 50-unit
rental apartment project with a $2.2M construction
value, which was completed in 2002.
units at a cost of $6M. It is one of the few multi-level
care/housing facilities in the Lower Mainland.
•Westgate (8955 Edward Street): A 62-unit condominium.
Garrison Crossing (45470 Watson Road)
The redevelopment of the former Canadian Forces Base
officially broke ground on November 24, 2003 and
the first house was on the market in the summer of
2004. Garrison Crossing is a “master-planned”
residential neighborhood (153 acres), with significant
institutional and commercial components. It
incorporates many “neo-traditional” and “new
urbanism” neighborhood features, such as rear lane
access and pedestrian friendly roads, a pedestrian
pathway system, due attention to urban design, “green
streetscape”, and urban wood lot, a Legacy Walk
(former CFB history), and a mix of compact single
homes, townhouses and apartments. “Vertically
mixed” commercial/institutional/residential
developments will also be promoted at strategic
locations.
The new neighborhood will accommodate 1,500 to 1,800
homes of various types, together with 80,000+ sq.ft.
of commercial development. Situated next to the
Vedder core, Garrison Crossing will play a critical role
in energizing the business district in the future. As of
March 2006, the project has completed Phase 1 and
Phase 2 totaling 160 single detached homes and 68
townhouses. Phase 3 (36 single units) and Phase 4
(124 single units) are also in the works and more new
homes will be available soon. There are concurrent
townhouse developments on the east side of the
property (30 new units under construction as of
March 2006 plus conversion of 32 existing units). In
the meantime, Garrison Crossing has embarked on an
•The Gables (8917 Edward Street): A 21-unit townhouse
condominium project.
intense planning/design process for the southeast
portion of the site where commercial development
73
and Cheam Centre (municipal swimming pool) will be
new homes that have been constructed or are under
the centerpiece. Based on the progress on the ground
construction.
and the robust housing market, Garrison Crossing
•Unity Village (50890 Hack-Brown Road/8502 Unity
Drive): A 64-single family residential lot subdivision.
could be completed within a “medium term”
timeframe – as opposed to the long-term as originally
anticipated.
Little Mountain
•Blue Stone Capital (47491 Chartwell Road et. al.): A 21-lot
Eastern Hillsides
•Elk Creek Park (50250 Prairie Central Road): A 45-lot
subdivision.
•Little Mountain (47491 Chartwell): A 21-single family
dwelling subdivision completed in 2004.
subdivision located in the eastern hillsides of
Chilliwack. (Under development)
•Elk Mountain Estates (Prairie Central Road): A 45-lot
subdivision located in the eastern hillsides of
Promontory
•Promontory: This new hillside community started
construction in 1992. Over the past 13 years, its
Chilliwack. (Under development)
population has grown from 400 to 4,300. Its ultimate
•Emerald Ridge at the Falls Resort Community (8341 Nixon
population could reach 6,000+. Development has
Road): A mixed-use residential development located
accelerated since the housing market began its
750 ft. above the Fraser Valley floor in the landscape
recovery in 2001. In the past five years, its annual
of an 18-hole golf course. (Under development)
starts range from 59 to 242, accounting for 8% to
•Ford Creek (Unity Drive): A 62-lot subdivision located
25% of the City’s total starts. The years 2004 and
adjacent to Unity Christian School off Hack Brown
2005 are exceptional years for Promontory with its
Road. (Under development)
212 and 242 starts respectively, however, such a high
•Marble Hill Road (7265 Marble Hill Road): A 26-lot
level of activity is not expected to be sustained
subdivision located on 14 acres. (Application
because of dwindling development sites. Major
renewed)
•Resorts West BC (51750 Allan Road et. al.): Rezoning
applications have “largely” been approved (for a
residential projects in the past three years are:
o
townhouse project, started in 1996 and completed in
potential resort-oriented development of 290 single
family dwellings and 830 townhouse units). The total
site area is 141 acres (within the City boundaries) plus
2005.
o
for this resort/hillside community is 3,600. (In 2004,
a subdivision application for 85 single family dwelling
lots was submitted but later cancelled).
detached lot subdivision.
o
o
Phase 1, completed in 2003, consisted of 52 units
while Phase 2, finished in 2004, consisted of 54 units.
development in the Eastern Hillsides area that could
A final phase 28-lot parcel is currently under
ultimately yield 2,394 residential (and some hotel)
74
Bridlewood (5076 Teskey Road/6011 Chilliwack Lake
Road): A phased single family dwelling subdivision.
Falls Court/8179 Nixon Road): A resort residential
90-strata lot single detached subdivision. There are 20
Bridle Ridge Estates (45957 Sherwood Drive): A 35strata single detached lot subdivision.
•The Falls Country Club – Blackburn Developments (50957
units. The first project is Emerald Estates, a 3 phase,
Bridle Ridge Crescent (46058 Bridle Ridge Crescent and
46091 Chilliwack Lake Road): A 19-strata single
additional land in the Fraser Valley Regional District
(Electoral Area D). The original population estimate
Applecreek (46360 Valleyview Road): A 175-
development. (Ongoing)
o
Bridlewood (5190 Teskey Road): A potential 50-single
family lot subdivision. (Under application)
o
o
o
Cedar Grove Estates (5367 Teskey Road): A single
Sardis / Vedder
family dwelling subdivision with six phases and 176
•Cedar Park (6449 Blackwood Lane): This 86-unit
lots. It is currently in Phase 6. (Ongoing)
townhouse project, with a $7M construction value, is
Falcon Heights (5792 Jinkerson Road): A 79-unit
situated in the Sardis/Vedder geographic centre. It
subdivision consisting of two phases. Phase 1, which
provides an important supply of affordable housing in
is completed, consisted of 41 units. The 38-lot Phase
the urban corridor at a time when single family homes
2 is currently under application. (Ongoing)
have become out-of-reach to many first-time
Jinkerson 6012 Subdivision Development: An 89-lot single
homebuyers and middle-income families.
detached residential subdivision. (Under application)
o
Jinkerson Heights (5898 Jinkerson Road): A three
unit private congregate care housing project
phase, 56-lot single detached residential subdivision.
(townhouse style).
By March 2006, 32 houses have been built.
o
project with an estimated construction value of $7M.
Jinkerson Road): A 32-unit townhouse development
(Under development)
Mullins Road Development I (46325 Mullins Road): A
22-lot single subdivision.
o
o
•Cotton Ridge (45645 Knight Road): A 54-condominium
apartment in Sardis core.
•Gable at Rivers Bend (5556 Peach Road/444720 Keith
Mullins Road Development II (46251 Mullins Road): A
Wilson Road): A 78-unit townhouse project near
64-lot single subdivision development.
completion.
Panorama Springs (46858 Russell Road): A 26-unit
o
•Copper Ridge (6485 Vedder Road): An 86-unit townhouse
Jinkerson Heights Developments – Townhouses 95900
in four phases. (Under application)
o
•Comfort Lifestyle (6980 Vedder Road): An expanded 40-
•Garrison Crossing (45470 Watson Road): See earlier
reference.
Russell Heights (46906 Russell Road): A 50-unit
o
Sherwood (Sherwood & Teskey Drive): A single family
dwelling subdivision consisting of 150 single family
dwellings. There have been 99 completed and built
on. Phase 11 is under application. (Ongoing)
o
Timber Ridge (46840 Russell Road): This townhouse
project began in 2004 and 35 units have been
completed and occupied. At present, 14 units are
new building of 5,619 sq.ft. with a construction value
under construction, and the build-out is 72 units (in
of $750,000.
seven phases). (Ongoing)
o
•Heritage Village – Care Facility (45438 Knight Road): A
•River Grove Estates (44650 Keith Wilson and 5555 Peach
Westbow Jinkerson (5965 Jinkerson Road): This project
Road): A 29-single detached residential lot subdivision
marks the development of the easternmost part of
that is currently all occupied.
Promontory, the last remaining major reserve. In
2005, 68 townhouses were completed at this site and
another 12 units are being added, for a total of 52
units in four phases. (Ongoing)
•River Groves (5555 Peach Road): A 29-lot subdivision
completed in 2004.
•River Pines (5550 Peach Road): A new strata subdivision
with 18 lots built out.
•River Walk (Riverwood Crescent): A 38-lot strata single
lot subdivision near the Vedder River.
75
•The Maples (6450 Blackwood Lane): This townhouse
under construction. It comprises 47 retirement single
project consists of three phases. Phase 1 (16 units)
homes (five acres) and 74 townhouse units (6.2 acres)
has been completed and Phase 2 (18 units) is under
homes in 13 phases.
construction. The balance will likely be competed in
2006.
•Silver Creek Estates (7475 Garnet Drive): A 38-unit
townhouse project.
•Sunshine (7360 Sunshine Drive): A 12-unit townhouse
project.
•Topaz Developments (7556 Topaz Drive): A 51-unit
apartment project with a construction value of $3M.
apartment project with a construction value of $2.9M.
apartment project completed.
•Village at Sardis Park (6760 Vedder Road): The “Village” is
Downtown Redevelopment Projects
(2001-2006)
•Downtown Redevelopment: Since its launching in
1999, the BIA’s Downtown Revitalization
Strategy has been producing impressive
results. Its storefront facade and canopy
improvement program has transformed the
historical downtown core. The Strategy is
backed up by major public-private projects
that accentuate the social, cultural and
economic roles of the downtown such as the
new Court House, the Five Corners Plaza,
the new Leisure Centre, the Prospera Centre
and the Fraser Valley Regional District
Building/Chilliwack Fire Hall. Given such a
supportive environment, the limited supply
a residential/commercial mixed-use project in the
of commercial land and the densification
geographic center of Sardis/Vedder. Its 49-acre site
policy/trend of the City, the downtown
has an approved capacity for 651 units of single
should see substantial commercial and
detached, townhomes and apartments plus 150,000
residential redevelopment in the future.
sq.ft. of commercial space. Since 2002, 364 units (191
singles, 93 townhouses and 80 apartments/2005) have
been built. The final two phases will focus on two
remaining apartment sites and a commercial parcel
(five acres). The strata developments at Village at
Sardis Park are now individually named as:
Parksfield at Sardis Park (93 townhouses)
Villas at Sardis Park (40 strata small singles)
Stevenson Villas (45 strata small singles)
Higginson Villas (45 strata small singles)
(The apartment projects have yet to be named.)
Five Corners Plaza – May 2005
The award winning event “Faces of Chilliwack…A Cultural Celebration”
•Webster Landing (5396 Webster Road): A new
subdivision (37.56 acres) with 112 single family
76
•Central Community Park (Young Road): The former Jean
dwelling lots. As of March 2006, 87 single detached
McNaughton/ Happy Wilkinson Parks are being
homes have been built or are under construction. The
transformed into an attractive, multipurpose
Haven, part of the Webster Landing development, is
community-oriented urban park. The new design will
include an outdoor amphitheater, water feature,
special lighting, pathways, interpretative signage and
significant architectural details. (Under development).
•Craven Huston Powers (9355 Young Road): In 2005, the
former Chilliwack Fire Hall #2 was redeveloped into
an office building, which houses an architectural
firm.
•Safeway Centre (Yale Road and Cheam Avenue): Construction
on this 340,000 sq.ft. shopping complex will include a
new 49,821 sq.ft. Safeway store, Dakota’s restaurant
and many other retail/commercial outlets. The new
Safeway store, expected to open in 2006, will have an
in-house Starbucks, wider aisles, and softer lighting
and hardwood floors in the produce section. (Under
development)
•Southgate Shopping Centre (45905 Yale Road): This
downtown open mall underwent a “wholesale”
renovation of its exterior and interior, including the
parking repaving of its lot and tenant reorganization.
Its anchor store, Shoppers Drugmart, has expanded
and become a practically new, large-format general
merchandise “drug store”. (The total construction
value of various building permits by the mall owner
and various store operators is in excess of $1M –
excluding parking lot repaving.)
•Wedler Professional Centre (9300 Nowell Street): This
former government building, renamed the “Wedler
Professional Centre,” underwent major renovations
in 2005. Wedler Engineering occupies the majority of
the second floor while the ground floor is available
for lease.
77
BUILDING STATISTICS
picture of activity. In terms of ALL building
permits, it is interesting to note that since 1985,
the value of ALL building permits has climbed
from about $25M in 1985 to about $170M in 2006.
There was a significant bump from 1992 to 1994,
where the value rose as high as $128M.
Land Space
There are approximately 1,300 commercial
businesses in Chilliwack occupying about 300,000 square
meters. (Charts on Commercial Floor Space by type of
business are included in the Appendix).
There are also 240 industrial businesses (such as
manufacturing and wood processing) occupying
approximately 150,000 square meters. (A detailed chart is
also included in the Appendix).
Residential Sector Building Permits
The residential sector has the greatest impact on our
economy. There was a significant peak of $95M in
the mid-90s, as is indicative of the real estate boom of
that period. Outside of that period, there are fluctuations
from $17M in 1985 to about $117M in 2006.
It is important to note that these fluctuations are not
indicative of the growth or decline of the residential
sector as building permits include additions and
renovations (i.e.: sun decks, sheds, garages, interior
renovations and fireplace construction). Total
Assessments (in the next section) more accurately depict
growth.
Commercial Floor Space by Major Sectors
Establishments
Total
m2
492
190,208
484
59,747
351
55,040
All commercial floor space
1,327
304,995
All excluding rental apartment
offices (751)
1,180
301,92
Business Type
SIC Code
Retail space (DSTM, food &
60 - 69
automotive)
Office (business service and
2, 70 - 77,
office)
85, 86
Personal service/food-beverage
91 - 99
service/other
Residential Permits ($)
120,000,000
Building Permits
100,000,000
80,000,000
60,000,000
40,000,000
20,000,000
0
19
94
19
95
19
96
19
97
19
98
19
99
20
00
20
01
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
20
06
*
Based on Chilliwack’s recent history, the
average building permits can be broken down into
these sectors: 68.7% are Residential, 13.7% are
Institutional, 12.1% are Commercial, 2.5% are
Industrial and 3.01% are Agricultural. These
numbers fluctuate from year to year. The
following information provides a more accurate
*2006 Forecast
All Building Permits ($)
180,000,000
160,000,000
140,000,000
$
120,000,000
100,000,000
Agricultural
80,000,000
60,000,000
Institutional
40,000,000
Industrial
20,000,000
Commercial
78
*2006 Forecast
20
06
*
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
02
20
01
20
00
19
99
19
98
19
97
19
96
19
95
19
94
0
Residential
Institutional Sector
Building Permits
Institutional Building Permits ($)
30,000,000
25,000,000
20,000,000
15,000,000
10,000,000
5,000,000
*
20
06
05
04
20
20
03
20
01
00
99
02
20
20
20
19
97
98
19
96
19
19
95
19
94
0
19
In the Institutional sector, the highest
peaks were $19M in 1986, $26M in 1993,
$28M in 1995, and $23M in 2004. This
boom in institutional construction can
almost single-handedly be attributed to
school construction, including renovations,
seismic upgrades, new replacement schools,
and new school construction for our
growing community. Today almost all of
Chilliwack’s 29 schools have been
renovated, upgraded or replaced.
This boom in institutional construction
can also be partly attributed to the
(UCFV). When UCFV changed its
accreditation from a community college to a
university college in the mid-1980s, they
initiated a major expansion. They added
*2006 Forecast
Source: City of Chilliwack 2006
two major buildings, each with a
construction value of $8M to $10M.
In 2001, building permit values reached an all
Commercial Sector Building Permits
time peak of about $36M. This is likely due to
In the Commercial sector, the total value of building
major commercial projects such as Centre Point
permits (21-year average) is about $13M, with a peak of
(Trans Canada) Plaza, Chilliwack Heritage Park,
$36M in 2001, and $20M in 2005. The greatest
and the new Chilliwack Landing Leisure Center (a
construction activity in this sector can be attributed to
$14M aquatic centre and recreation complex,
the following developments: a new Safeway Centre,
opened in 2002). (Note: The latter two projects are
Mertin Hyundai, Valley Toyota, Performance Honda,
actually institutional projects that are classified
and The Canadian Tire expansion and the commercial
under the Building Code as commercial). Again,
development on Luckakuck Way.
assessments in the next section are a better
indicator of growth in this sector.
Commercial Permit Value ($)
30,000,000
25,000,000
20,000,000
15,000,000
10,000,000
5,000,000
19
94
19
95
19
96
19
97
19
98
19
99
20
00
20
01
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
20
06
*
0
*2006 Forecast
79
Industrial Sector Building Permits
25,000,000
20,000,000
15,000,000
10,000,000
5,000,000
8,000,000
7,000,000
highest peak of $6.9M in 2003. Growth in the agriculture
5,000,000
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
19
94
19
95
19
96
19
97
19
98
19
99
20
00
20
01
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
20
06
*
0
*2006 Forecast
80
20
05
20
06
*
20
04
20
03
20
02
20
01
20
00
19
99
Agricultural Permit Value ($)
6,000,000
to support agricultural businesses.
19
98
about $50,000 in 1985 to about $6.6M in 1999, with the
sector can likely be attributed to the City’s commitment
19
97
*2006 Forecast
Agricultural Sector Building Permits
In the Agricultural sector, growth rates climbed from
19
96
19
95
0
19
94
In the Industrial sector, there were peaks in 1989
reaching $6M, and $7.4M in 2000. However, the greatest
peaks were in 1999 at $13.6M and 2004 at $20.4M.
These various peaks are likely due to the construction
of a soy milk plant, a pharmaceutical plant and an ultralight aircraft manufacturer, the expansion of a number of
wood product industries, Soprema (a multi-national
R&D and production facility) and Stream (a US
company that provides outsourcing and support services
for tech companies and e-business).
Refer to Assessments in the next section and in the
Appendix for a better indication of growth in this sector.
Industrial Permit Value ($)
Assessment
Property Assessment - Real Growth Index by Type
Assessment tends to fluctuate with the general
economic cycle. For the most part, Chilliwack’s
1100
economy demonstrates a long and steady growth.
1000
Since 1986, property assessment in Chilliwack has
900
grown from $1.4B to $7.1B in 2006. Even when
800
Business/other
Farm
Managed forest
Recreat./non-profit
All Classes
700
inflation is excluded, the current assessment is
600
Index
roughly 520% greater than the 1986 assessment.
Residential
Industrial
Utilities (Incl. S. 353 M.A.)
Unmanaged Forest
Unclassified/S. 353 M.A.
500
400
Residential
300
As expected, much of the growth has occurred
200
in the residential sector, which constitutes about
100
compared to some other segments), its domination
has much more important bearing on assessment
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1986
sector has a much slower growth rate (when
1987
0
79.65% of the assessment total. Even though this
Actual Year of Assessment
Business and Industrial
trends.
There was a residential boom between 1988 and 1994
The Business/Other and Industrial sectors (apart
demonstrating significant growth. During the period 1995
from the residential sector) demonstrate similar levels of
to 2004, the number of properties continued to increase
economic growth. The Business sector shows steady
and new assessment value continued to be created with a
growth from $250M in 1987 to $1B in 2006. And the
further boom in 2003 and 2004. This attests to the
industrial sector, even with a short drop in 1996 and
strength of the City's growth and development as the
1997, has made significant progress from $11.9M in 1987
assessed value of residential properties increased from
to $82.4M in 2006.
$9.12M in 1986 to $5.6B in 2006.
2005 Assessments
Residential
vacant
single family
2005 Assessments
Number
1,000
17,319
ALR residence
865
farm residence
1,060
strata
5,556
other
395
Total
Utilities
Unmanaged Froest
Industrial
Business/other
Managed Forest
Recreation/non-profit
Farm (land)
Unclassified/Sec 353 M.A.
Total
Farm Residence
4%
ALR Residence
3%
Strata
19%
74
116
210
1,807
Industrial
0%
Business/other
5%
Farm (land)
6%
0
8
Utilities
0%
Recreation/nonprofit
1%
26,195
1,380
Other Residential
1%
Single Family
58%
Vacant Residential
3%
11
29,801
81
-Other Sectors
Other property classes — such as Managed Forests
discontinuation. And Recreational property has grown
and Recreational — show significant growth, but their
from $25.4M in 1987 to $126M in 2006.
small volumes mean little to the overall picture. In 2005,
The Utilities (which now includes Unclassified) and
the Managed Forests peaked at an all time high of
Farm sectors seem to illustrate a pure maintenance cycle,
$439,600, with another peak in 2000 of $372,200. Also
with no significant growth or decline.
Unmanaged Forests bottomed out in 1993 with its
More detailed data is available in the Appendix.
Property Assessment by Type
Residential
Industrial
7000
Unmanaged Forest
Business/other
Farm
Managed forest
Recreat./non-profit
8000
Actual $ (millions)
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
0
Actual Year of Assessment
Property Assessment (Actual Value) Dollars by Type (%)
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
Actual Year of Assessm ent
82
Residential
Industrial
Unmanaged Forest
Business/other
Farm
Managed forest
Recreat./non-profit
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
0%
SECTION FOUR:
Business Support
C
2) Business Solutions: enables direct support for
hilliwack offers a number of
individual businesses in Human Resource related
business support programs
issues.
through several providers.
Chilliwack Economic Partners
Corporation: Business Support
In Chilliwack, the principal source of business
support or resource services is Chilliwack Economic
3) Chilliwack Executive Welcome: creates an
opportunity for a business or a new management
team to get to know the community. It also gives
community members the opportunity to express
their appreciation of the new business or
management team.
4) Business Seminars: are developed throughout the
Partners Corporation (CEPCO). CEPCO offers
year based on the needs of different business
several programs to both new and existing businesses
sectors and the current issues that may impact
to help strengthen their position in Chilliwack’s
business performance.
economy. Some of their programs are listed below:
Chilliwack Business Link
The Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation
primarily supports businesses through Chilliwack
For more detailed information on the
Chilliwack Business Link program, call the
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation at
(604) 792-7839.
Business Link, a comprehensive business retention and
expansion program designed to respond to the needs
of local businesses.
Chilliwack Business Link includes a range of
program categories each designed for business
retention and expansion.
1) Business Visitation: provides opportunities to
improve communication flow between a business,
local government, and the Chilliwack Economic
Partners Corporation to ensure that potential
challenges are addressed and opportunities for
Federal Incentives
Industrial Adjustment Service:
This program will provide up to 50 percent funding
to assist in the development of the following:
• Training manuals.
• Human resource development issues.
• Train-the-Trainer programs.
• Policy manuals.
• And more (dependent on company needs)
growth are maximized.
83
Service Canada Employment Subsidies:
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation will, on
the client’s behalf, meet with Service Canada to
• Facility Needs Support: Services of a professional
economic developer will be provided to the
company to assist with new facility needs.
identify potential wage subsidy programs for the hiring
of eligible employees. It is possible to obtain some
initial cost sharing of wages through various federal
Employment and Training
A number of programs are available from
programs including targeted wage subsidy, youth
Provincial and Federal organizations for training
funding initiatives, and more.
eligible employees. Some of these programs include:
• Targeted Wage Subsidy.
Provincial Incentives
Through a working agreement, Chilliwack
• Training Works.
• Destinations.
Economic Partners Corporation will, on the client’s
• Youth Employment Programs.
behalf, work with several provincial agencies located in
• Job Creation Partnerships.
the community to obtain funding for training of
• First Nations Training Program.
eligible employees.
Community Incentives
• Training and Assistance: Chilliwack Economic
Partners Corporation (CEPCO) will assist the
company in identifying specific programs to target
new employees. This may include providing
funding assistance to host job fairs and other
recruitment efforts.
• Coordination of all Government Assistance
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation will
work with the client to facilitate access to all training
programs that the company may wish to access. In
addition, once the company has identified specific job
opportunities, CEPCO will search out other potential
funding programs that the company may wish to
access for employment and training.
Tenant Improvements
Capital improvements are negotiable with
Programs: CEPCO will provide assistance in
prospective building/property owners when
identifying all government programs.
negotiating a lease agreement. Chilliwack Economic
• Investment Coordination: CEPCO will work on
coordinating all aspects of the company’s
Partners Corporation will work with both parties to
provide assistance in negotiating a suitable agreement.
investment in Chilliwack.
• Assistance with Staff Relocation: CEPCO will
develop a program that will provide advice to
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation is
employees of the company wishing to relocate
known for finding innovative ways to meet the needs
from other communities to Chilliwack. However, it
of our clients. We will work with the client to find
should be noted that CEPCO cannot provide
creative solutions to enable business growth and new
financial assistance in this regard.
development.
• Permitting and Approvals: Fast permitting and
approvals for building projects (usually within two
to five days) within the City of Chilliwack will be
coordinated by CEPCO.
84
Other Incentives
Other Business
Support Organizations
BC Marketing, Investment and Trade - Invest
British Columbia
BC Marketing, Investment and Trade is a division
their Langley office at 604-532-5150 or check their
website: www.bdc.ca.
Western Economic Diversification
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is
a Crown Corporation whose purpose is to promote the
of the Province of BC’s Ministry of Economic
development and diversification of Western Canada’s
Development, charged with overseeing the Invest
economy. They have three primary goals: the
British Columbia office. Invest British Columbia is a
Development of Innovative Initiatives, Economic
single point of service for companies and site selection
Development, and Business Development. As an
professionals exploring business location and
innovator, WD seeks to develop opportunities and
expansion opportunities in British Columbia. Its
growth potential. In Economic Development, WD
services include:
works to build partnerships between governments and
• Customized site location reports, providing in-
the private sector to capitalize on economic and
depth analysis of local labour markets; business
community development opportunities in Western
costs and taxation; sites, facilities and infrastructure
Canada. And in Business Development (the area that
capacity; training, research and supplier
they are most known for), WD helps Western
capabilities...and more.
Canadian small and medium-sized businesses grow,
• Confidential financial projections for your project,
diversify and create jobs. They provide services in
comparing the rate-of-return on investment in
business planning and development, accessing capital,
British Columbia and competing locations.
export or trade development, selling to government
• Face-to-face and web-hosted introductory
briefings.
• Hosted familiarization tours, including visits to
candidate sites, facilities and communities.
• Facilitated meetings with local providers of tax, real
markets, and they provide information and links to
government programs and services. Their services are
accessible through over 100 points of service including
Community Futures Development Corporations,
Women’s Enterprise Initiative Organizations, Canada
estate, legal, utilities and other services, and with
Business Service Centres, Francophone Economic
relevant government permitting agencies.
Development Organizations and WD offices.
For more information contact the Vancouver office at
In Chilliwack, WD’s main point of service is the
604-775-2141, or visit the website www.investbc.com.
local Community Futures Development Corporation
Business Development Bank of Canada
(CFDC). Community Futures’ main purpose is
The Business Development Bank of Canada
(BDC) provides consulting services that cover such
high-end business services as strategic planning,
succession planning, ISO 9000, marketing and more.
BDC specializes in knowledge-based industries and
also provides financial support. Unlike regular financial
institutions; BDC doesn’t make their lending decisions
based on security, but based on cash flow and quality
management. Therefore they complement regular
financial institutions. For more information, contact
community and economic development with a primary
focus on job creation in areas outside major urban
centres. Their services include local strategic economic
planning, technical and advisory services to businesses,
loans to small and medium-sized businesses, selfemployment assistance programs, and services targeted
to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities. For more
information, contact WD at 604-666-6256 or view
their website at www.wd.gc.ca.
85
IMMIGRATION
The Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program is designed to
attract immigrants of various types of economic
backgrounds, which can be divided into two areas:
Strategic Occupations and Business Categories.
Strategic Occupations includes Skilled Workers,
Registered Nurses, and International Students. The
Business Categories area includes Business Skills,
Projects and Regional Business.
A person nominated under the provincial nominee
program may apply for a permanent resident visa
through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
The Entrepreneur program is one of the Business
Immigration categories and is designed to attract
experienced businesspersons that will own and actively
manage businesses expected to generate economic
benefits to Canada.
For more information, go to
www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/amip/pnp.
86
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Following is a list of various Business Resources. For business resources not listed below, contact Chilliwack
Economic Partners Corporation.
WEBSITE ADDRESS
DESCRIPTION
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca
/en/home.shtml
Covers our economy, the worker-employer marketplace and the
new world of work; labour market trends; significant occupations;
statistics; economic development groups; weblists.
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways
/where_you_live/regions/bc-yk.shtml
Region specific services for individuals, business and
organizations.
/business/menu.shtml
Links to information about programs and services offered to those
starting or operating a business in Canada.
/topics/hzp-gxr.shtml
Details on Sector Council Program (addresses skills and human
resource issues), and Occupational and Skills Initiatives (program
to develop Canada's skilled workforce).
www.bcbusinessregistry.ca
OneStop Business Registry offers integrated business registration
and business address change services.
/nav/top_nav/program/ei.shtml
Employment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance for
unemployed Canadians while they look for work or upgrade their
skills.
www.smallbusinessbc.ca
Business information and services.
www.liveworkplayprosper.com
Sign up for an account and post your resume for free. There are
over 3000 licensed Chilliwack businesses listed online.
www.communityfutures.ca
Fosters local entrepreneurship, promotion, coordination and
implementation of various community development initiatives.
www.2010commercecentre.com
Explore what your business can do now to prepare for the 2010
Olympics.
http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/eao/
Employers’ Advisors provide independent advice, assistance,
representation and training to employers, potential employers and
employer associations concerning workers' compensation issues.
http://www.morebusiness.com
/getting-started/
Avoiding the perils of expansion.
http://www.toolkit.cch.com
/tools/trmntp_m.asp
Employee termination checklist and procedures.
/tools/buspln_m.asp
Business plan information and outlines — industry specific e.g.
manufacturing a service. Includes financial information outlines.
/text/P02_5401.asp
Marketing plans — includes information on how to do market
analysis, writing a strategy and translating it into specific goals.
87
Business Resources, continued
WEBSITE ADDRESS
DESCRIPTION
http://www133.americanexpress.
com/osbn/landing/informyour
decisions.asp
American Express business site. Contains straightforward
information on all aspects of business planning, management ,
etc. also has various interactive oportunities for the business
layperson to use - e.g. business plan, marketing, accounting,
etc.
www.toolkit.cch.com
Business owner's toolkit — contains information and business
checklists. Also included are some basic contractual
agreements that business may need. It is an american site; but
the majority of information is applicable to BC businesses.
ww.hronline.com
Human Resource website — large site with information on
recruitment, training, evaluations, etc.
http://employers.gc.ca/
This is the federal government site — deals mainly with legal
issues of employment.
http://www.isbc.com/discussions
/discuss.cfm
This is a small business discussion/forum site. Useful for
networking with other business owners and exchanging
information/ideas.
http://www.morebusiness.com/
running_your_business
Entrepreneurs site includes information and templates for all
aspects of running a business. Marketing articles included as
well as downloadable forms, legal forms and business plans.
www.sba.gov
Small Business Administration — all aspects of starting/running
a business included.
http://sbinformation.about.com/
mboday.htm
Small business information site — structured like newspaper.
Articles tend to be short summaries. Has an interactive
business plan.
www.chilliwackpartners.com
Responsible for economic growth and marketing.
www.tourismchilliwack.com
Development of tourism industry.
www.chilliwackagricultural
commission.com
Goal to establish Chilliwack as a centre of excellence in
agriculture.
www.foodprocessingbc.com
Benefits of locating food processing facility in Chilliwack.
www.downtownchilliwack.com
Responsible for revitalizing and enhancing downtown Chilliwack.
www.chilliwackfilmcommission.
com
Responsible for promotion of community to film industry.
www.allbusiness.com
This site has nice link for calculating leases vs. purchase of
office equipment.
www.bizmove.com
Has all aspects of business development included.
www.chilliwack.com
City of Chilliwack.
www.chilliwackchamber.com
Represents/promotes economy, education, retail, tourism,
environmental, cultural and governmental concerns.
88
SECTION FIVE:
Profiles
T
he following information provides profiles on all related business development service
operations in Chilliwack and the municipal, provincial, and federal governments.
Chilliwack Economic
Partners Corporation
Mission
The Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (www.chilliwackpartners.com) is an aggressive, business-oriented
entity responsible for the City of Chilliwack’s economic growth and marketing through a made-in-Chilliwack economic
strategy. Our mission is to empower the stakeholders and residents of Chilliwack to achieve their own economic growth
and community development for the betterment of all the residents and to enhance the quality of life that is unique to
Chilliwack.
Structure
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) evolved from cooperation among the City of Chilliwack
government, the Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association (BIA) and the Chilliwack Chamber of
Commerce. In 1998, CEPCO was incorporated as a private company under the BC Companies Act.
The partnership furthers its representation of the community through public- and private-sector strategic alliances
and subsidiaries that oversee development in the principal areas of opportunity.
A 16- to 20-person board of directors reflects the partnership’s public-private make-up and community-wide
representation. Board members include one councilor, two BIA, two Chamber of Commerce, one tourism, one
agriculture, one Stó:lõ, one representative from the University College of the Fraser Valley, and four to eight
community representatives. The City of Chilliwack Council appoints all members.
CEPCO Financing
Initial funding is provided through a five-year funding commitment and service agreement from the City of
Chilliwack. Other avenues include ...
• Public-private partnering approaches.
• Provincial and federal funding and support programs.
• Joint initiatives with agencies and government organizations.
• Partnership income-generating programs.
89
CEPCO Services
•
•
•
•
•
Client Services.
Working towards obtaining new lands for industry and commercial growth.
Providing assistance in employee recruitment and other human resource tasks.
Aid in obtaining funding for employee training.
Aid in helping businesses participate in other government programs.
• Help in coordinating investments in Chilliwack.
Tourism Chilliwack
Tourism Chilliwack (www.tourismchilliwack.com) is a subsidiary of the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation.
The primary purpose of Tourism Chilliwack is to help strengthen and develop the tourism industry through a
combination of marketing and promotional efforts, excellent visitor services, and through standard economic
development initiatives. This is accomplished in four ways: visitor services, marketing and promotions, member
services, and economic development.
Visitor Services
Tourism Chilliwack manages and operates the Visitor Information Centre. The information centre is often the first
point of contact with a visitor to our community and provides a wide array of literature on activities and
accommodations in Chilliwack and the surrounding area. It also provides maps and personal consultation to help
visitors discover all that Chilliwack has to offer. The Visitor Information Centre is on: Luckakuck Way beside Heritage
Park, which is a year-round facility just off the Trans Canada Highway at Lickman Exit 116.
Marketing and Promotions
A major objective for Tourism Chilliwack is to increase the number of visitors to local businesses. We do this by
raising the awareness of Chilliwack and the surrounding area through a combination of creative and effective marketing
and promotional programs. The City of Chilliwack collects a 2% hotel tax that aids in the development of a
comprehensive range of marketing initiatives such as:
• Consumer Trade Shows
• Group and Tour Operator Trade Shows
• Promotional Literature and Brochures
• Tourism Publication Advertisements
• Web Site Development
• Travel and Adventure Guide Development
Member Services
Tourism Chilliwack has developed a Membership Program for local businesses interested in partnering with other
members in an effort to develop the tourism industry. Tourism Chilliwack is led by a Board of Director’s comprised of
19 tourism industry stakeholders and local government officials, and it now serves over 100 member organizations.
Membership provides a wide range of marketing and promotional benefits to member’s that include Visitor
Information Centre brochure racking, co-operative marketing opportunities, newsletters, annual events and a Fair US
Exchange program.
90
Economic Development in Tourism
Working closely with CEPCO, Tourism Chilliwack also provides economic development programs and services
aimed at growing the tourism industry. We support existing tourism sector employers who wish to grow their existing
services and facilities, and we work to grow the industry in a broader scope by attracting new tourism-related
businesses. See the section on Business Support.
Chilliwack Agricultural Commission
The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission (www.chilliwackagriculturalcommission.com) is a subsidiary of the
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO). The Commission was established due to CEPCO’s recognition
in their Strategic Plan that agriculture (which occupies approximately 65% of Chilliwack’s land and represents
approximately 29% of the City’s economic activity) is vital to the economy. The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission
has its own Board of Directors consisting of a large group of stakeholders representing a broad, diverse cross-section of
agricultural interests in the community.
The Mandate and Objectives
The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission’s mandate is to encourage the establishment of Chilliwack as a center of
excellence in agriculture by means of implementing an agricultural strategy that facilitates a diverse and sustainable
agricultural sector.
The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission’s objectives are as follows:
o
to educate and raise awareness as to the importance of agriculture to the community and economy;
o
to work with existing businesses through business retention and expansion programs;
o
to attract agricultural related businesses to the community;
o
to enhance agricultural education opportunities by working with community stakeholders;
o
to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Committees
• Chilliwack Agricultural Commission — Conference Committee
• Chilliwack Agricultural Commission — Public Awareness Committee
• Agriculture Strategy Implementation Committee
• Chilliwack Agricultural Commission — Apprenticeship Program Steering Committee
Chilliwack Film Commission
The Chilliwack Film Commission (www.chilliwackfilmcommission.com) was formed in December 1999. The
Commission was established in response to BC’s growing film industry — which is the third largest in North America
behind only Los Angeles and New York. With all of Chilliwack’s natural beauty and diverse rural and urban landscapes,
the Commission realized that Chilliwack is a perfect location for North American film producers.
The film industry will provide BC with over one billion dollars in film and commercial production on an annual
basis — and that number is expected to grow at a rate of 15 percent per year over the next five years. Establishing a
Chilliwack Film Commission will provide the community with numerous direct and indirect economic benefits.
91
The Chilliwack Film Commission’s mandate is to position Chilliwack strategically and to make it attractive and easy
for producers and site locators to film in our community. The commission is currently in the process of developing
guidelines, policies and infrastructure to service Chilliwack’s film industry.
Downtown Chilliwack Business
Improvement Association
The Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association (BIA) (www.downtownchilliwack.com) was
established in 1995 as a non-profit organization. In 1998, it formed a strategic alliance with Chilliwack Economic
Partners Corporation.
The BIA currently represents over 240 property owners and 360 businesses that provide a diverse range of products
and services. The BIA’s mission is to lead a cooperative effort in revitalizing and enhancing the downtown of
Chilliwack to make it a better place to work, live, shop, visit and have fun.
The BIA has four primary objectives: physical improvements; regulatory controls; customer development; and
economic and business development. Some of their objectives and accomplishments are listed below.
Physical Improvements
• Streetscaping and Capital Works projects: Special emphasis on upgrading the downtown core.
• Facade Incentive Program: Special emphasis on enhancing the character of historic buildings.
• Street Cleaning Programs.
• Parking Improvements.
Regulatory Controls
• Public Space Policy: provide lighting for aesthetic and security purposes for all redevelopments.
• Security and Community Awareness Programs.
• Bylaws and Zoning that encourage desirable development.
• Incentive-based Regulatory Controls.
Customer Development
• Improved Perception of Downtown safety.
• Ambassador program.
• Special events and festivals.
• Enhanced Retail and Commercial Development.
• Establish a One-stop Business resource centre.
Economic and Business Development
• Partnership with Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation to market downtown.
• Develop programs to attract and retain businesses.
• Redevelopment of former exhibition grounds, which include the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre project.
For a complete listing of businesses in downtown Chilliwack (including supermarkets, restaurants, hotels,
pharmacies, doctors, banks, special retail, family entertainment, and other services), check the BIA website at
www.downtownchilliwack.com.
92
Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce
The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce (www.chilliwackchamber.com) provides many different services to the
community. Originally established in 1903, as the Board of Trade, the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce has been an
important part of the community. It is a member-driven organization of businesses and individuals working together
for the betterment of the business community as a whole. For more information, call the Chamber at 604-793-4323.
City of Chilliwack
— Municipal Government
History
The Township of Chilliwack (later spelled Chilliwack) was incorporated on June 10, 1873. Over the next 35 plus
years, the commercial downtown core (which was at the time originally known as “Centreville”) developed to the point
where it was necessary to incorporate it as the City of Chilliwack (effective February 21, 1908). The surrounding rural
farmland, however, remained within the Township of Chilliwack. By January 1, 1980, the former City and Township
amalgamated to form the District of Chilliwack. It was renamed the City of Chilliwack in 1999.
Structure
Municipal elections are held once every three years to elect a City Council, which consists of a mayor and 6
councillors. Being a member municipality of the Fraser Valley Regional District, Chilliwack is also represented on the
Regional District Board.
The municipality has a staff of 260 people (including part-time workers), engaged in a variety of public services. The
following is a list of the major committees/commissions and departments:
City Council:
Mayor:
Clint Hames
Councillors:
Mark Andersen, Pat Clark, Mel Folkman, Dorothy Kostrzewa, Sharon Gaetz, Chuck Stam
Committees/Commissions:
•
•
•
•
Development Process Advisory Committee
Leisure Services Advisory Committee
Public Safety Committee
Transportation Advisory Committee
Departments
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mayor’s Office
Chief Administrative Office
City Clerk
Finance
Corporate Services (incl. Purchasing, MIS, and Human Resources)
Engineering/Operations
Civic Services Centre
Fire
Municipal Development (Planning, Building, Subdivision and Business Licensing)
93
• Parks and Recreation
Services
• General local government services
• Taxation
• Planning, subdivisions and developments
• Building inspection
• Economic development planning/promotion*
• Sewer, water, drainage and solid waste disposal
• Roads and other transport
• Police and fire protection
• Recreation, parks and cultural services
• Corporate Services and Public Relations
* Note: Most economic development initiatives are handled through Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation.
Approach
The City’s approach to government management is businesslike. Although it is not profit oriented, it strives for
maximum efficiency: the best service at the lowest possible cost. It encourages public-private partnerships, emphasizes
a “pay as you go” philosophy, stresses comprehensive planning (financial, capital works and development), and
maintains fair cost-sharing between service users and the municipality. As a result, Chilliwack has no debt in its general
fund and little debt in its utility fund. Its residential taxes are among the lowest in the Lower Mainland. All this has been
achieved while undertaking many essential infrastructure works to improve and expand the community.
Chilliwack has been a strong advocate of the “service first” philosophy. It provides “one-stop service” and
endeavours to reduce bureaucracy. In 1993-94 it worked with the local home builders and produced a streamlined
building inspection process based on public-private collaboration, and won the Silver and Gold of the Georgie Awards
of the BC Home Builders’ Association in the “Modified Approvals Process” category. Such recognition has further
deepened the municipality’s commitment to improving its service delivery. And today, the City of Chilliwack has a
reputation for having one of the fastest permit approval systems in the province.
Provincial Government
The provincial government deals with education, agriculture, fisheries, family, energy, finance, forests, health,
human resources, public safety, transportation and water, land and air protection. They also own a number of Crown
Corporations, including (but not limited to) BC Ferries, BC Hydro, BC Transit, ICBC,
and Tourism BC. They are also involved in numerous other provincial programs and activities. For a detailed listing of
all their services, go to their website at www.gov.bc.ca or contact one of the following local representatives.
Local Chilliwack Contacts
James Hay, Chilliwack’s Government Agent
BC Access Centre
Telephone:
604-795-8415
Email:
James.Hay@gems9.gov.bc.ca
94
Website:
www.government
agents.gov.bc.ca
Barry Penner
Minister of the Environment
Member of the BC Legislative Assembly
Chilliwack Kent Constituency Office
Government of British Columbia
Telephone:
604-702-5200
Email:
barry.penner@bcliberals.com
Website:
www.barrypenner.com
John Les
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Member of the BC Legislative Assembly
Chilliwack-Sumas Constituency Office
Government of British Columbia
Email:
john.les@bcliberals.com
Website:
www.johnlesmla.bc.ca
Federal Government
The Government of Canada has countless departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations ... from Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada to Western Economic Diversification Canada. To find a specific branch service of the federal
government, go to their site at www.gc.ca.
Local Chilliwack Contact
Chuck Strahl, Member of Parliament
Government of Canada
Telephone:
604-792-3311
Email:
Website:
riding@chuckstrahl.com
www.chuckstrahl.com
95
APPENDIX
Appendix
Supplemental
Statistical Data
Utilities
- Hydro Rates (detailed)
- Gas Rates
Income
- Minimum Wage Rates
Housing
A-2
A-2
A-3
A-4
A-4
A-5
- Housing Sales History
A-5
- MLS Forecast Summary
A-6
- Housing Starts
A-8
(number, percentage, averages)
Building Permits
- All Building Permits (value)
- All Building Permits (value & number)
- Residential Building Permits (value)
- Building Permit Costs
Assessments
- Number of Assessed Properties
- Assessment by Type (actual dollars)
- Assessment by Type (percentage)
- Property Assessment Growth
Land Space
- Commercial Floor Space
- Industrial Floor Space
Taxation
- Corporate Taxes & Capital Tax
- Personal Income Tax
- Sales Tax
- Property Tax
- Municipal Tax Charts &
Comparison Charts
- Development Cost Charges
A-21
A-21
A-24
A-26
A-26
A-27
A-27
A-28
A-30
A-35
A-11
A-11
A-12
A-13
A-14
A-17
A-17
A-18
A-19
A-20
A-1
APPENDIX
Utilities
BC Hydro Rates
Residential Electricity
Basic Charge/Minimum Charge:
All kWh: $0.0633 per kWh
Electricity Rates for Business
Small Power (under 35 kW for 2 months)
Basic Charge:
All kWh:
$0.0712 kWh
Minimum Charge:
$13.41 for 2 months
Medium Power (35 kW and over for 1 month)
Basic Charge:
$4.55 month
First 35 kW for NIL
Demand Charge:
Energy Charge:
Next 115 kW at $3.64 per kW
All additional kW at $6.99 per kWh
First 14,800 kW.h $0.0712per kWh
All additional kW at $0.0342 per kWh
Minimum Charge:
The greater of: $13.41 per month, OR 50% of the
highest maximum demand charge billed in any
month within an on-peak period (1 November to 31
March inclusive) during the preceding 11 months.
Large Power: Transmission Service
Demand Charge:
$4.866 per kV.A
$0.02569 per kWh
EnergyCharge:
Minimum Charge:
Source: BC Hydro, 2006
A-2
$0.054 per kWh applied to all kWh above 90% of
the customer's base load in each billing year.
$4.866 per kV.A of billing demand per Billing
Period
APPENDIX
Gas Rates
Residential Rate
Basic Charge
$11.12 per month
Delivery Charge
Cost of Gas
Commercial Rate
Small Commercial Rate 2
Basic Charge
$23.33 per month
Delivery Charge
Midstream Charge
Cost of Gas
Large Commercial Rate 3
Basic Charge
$124.50 per month
Delivery Charge
Midstream Charge
Cost of Gas
Source: Terasen Gas, 2006
A-3
APPENDIX
Income
Minimum Wage Rates: Canada and USA
Current Minimum
Wage
Last Increase
Date
CANADA
British Columbia
$8.00CN / $6.40US
1-Nov-01
Alberta
Ontario
$7.00CN / $5.60US
$7.75CN / $6.20US
NA
NA
Notes
$6.00CAN ($4.80USD): First Job/Entrylevel: applies to employees hired on or
after Nov.15, 2001 with less than 500
hours total paid employment experience
and no paid work experience prior to Nov.
15, 2001.
For students $7.25CAN ($5.80US), and
for liquor servers $6.75CAN ($5.40)
US FEDERAL (and nearby states)
US Federal
$6.44CAN / $5.15US
1-Jan-05
Applies to workers who come under US
Fair Labour Standards Act*
Washington
$9.54CAN / $7.63US
NA
Oregon
$9.38CAN / $7.50US
NA
The wage rate indexed to inflation,
adjusted every Jan1.
The wage rate indexed to inflation,
adjusted every Jan1.
Source: Manitoba Labour and Immigration 2006
Source: AFL-CIO America's Union Movement 2006
A-4
APPENDIX
Housing
SFD: Sale Prices (History)
900,000
Chilliwack CA
800,000
Abbotsford CA
Vancouver CA
700,000
600,000
500,000
$
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
Chilliw ack CA
1994
Dec
1995
Dec
1996
Dec
1997
Dec
1998
Dec
1999
Dec
2000
Dec
2001
Dec
2002
Dec
2003
Dec
2004
Dec
2005
Dec
208,50 219,45 203,92 185,00 199,78 208,13 203,04 202,00 169,74 185,81 220,55 225,35
Abbotsford CA 274,21 265,14 244,34 246,79 260,15 245,02 250,99 250,10 233,46 266,66 305,36 330,16
Vancouver CA 496,18 524,20 507,61 485,66 470,54 410,30 413,62 433,00 395,46 475,08 532,02 807,60
Source: Chilliwack & District Real Estate Board, 2006
Trend of Chilliwack Housing Prices (Annual Average Price)
$250,000
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
Source: Chilliwack & District Real Estate Board, 2006
A-5
APPENDIX
MLS Forecast Summary (2005)
RESALE MARKET
FORECASTS (MLS)
2001
2002
2003
%CH
2004
%CH
2005F
%CH
14,735
16,784
17,216
2.6
14,885
-13.5
14,438
-3.0
Townhouse
4,383
5,113
5,842
14.3
5,842
0.0
5,608
-4.0
Apartment
8,791
11,967
15,101
26.2
16,028
6.1
16,188
1.0
Single Detached
7,931
9,288
10,231
10.2
9,660
-5.6
9,177
-5.0
Condo
4,148
5,929
5,538
-6.6
6,554
18.3
6,423
-2.0
TOTAL SALES
39,988
49,081
53,928
9.9
52,969
-1.8
51,834
-2.1
Single Detached
22,666
26,072
27,447
5.3
24,545
-10.6
23,615
-3.8
Condo
17,322
23,009
26,481
15.1
28,424
7.3
28,219
-0.7
2001
2002
2003
%CH
2004
%CH
2005F
%CH
GREATER VANCOUVER
Single Detached
FRASER VALLEY
AVERAGE MLS PRICE
GREATER VANCOUVER
Single Detached
$369,268 $393,953 $449,905
14.2
$526,798
17.1
$558,406
6.0
Condo
$232,434 $247,215 $270,414
9.4
$315,295
16.6
$331,060
5.0
Apartment
$176,730 $197,654 $216,169
9.4
$258,936
19.8
$271,883
5.0
Single Detached
$251,380 $271,464 $301,690
11.1
$348,947
15.7
$366,394
5.0
Condo
$141,496 $154,636 $153,406
-0.8
$173,571
13.1
$178,778
3.0
FRASER VALLEY
Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2005
A-6
APPENDIX
MLS Forecast Summary (2005: continued)
NEW HOUSING
FORECAST
2001
2002
2003
%CH
2004
%CH
2005F
%CH
Total
10,862
13,197
16,526
25.2
19,430
17.6
20,013
3.0
Single-detached
3,512
4,980
5,382
8.1
5,614
4.3
5,726
2.0
Multi-family
7,350
8,217
10,244
24.7
13,816
34.9
14,230
3.0
Total
418
1,039
1,056
1.6
1,083
2.6
1,126
4.0
Single-detached
412
558
634
13.6
607
-4.3
631
4.0
4
480
422
-12.1
476
12.8
505
6.0
2001
2002
2003
%CH
2004
%CH
2005F
%CH
Single-detached
$449,444
$465,288
$499,778
7.4
$553,459
10.7
$581,132
5.0
Townhouse
$234,909
$253,021
$263,535
4.2
$302,792
14.9
$317,932
5.0
Apartment
$263,171
$303,669
$255,307
-15.9
$313,928
23.0
$332,764
6.0
Single-detached
$205,892
$228,975
$237,123
3.6
$271,643
14.6
NA
NA
Townhouse
$126,888
$132,439
$155,091
17.1
$174,843
12.7
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$252,364
$275,044
$316,045
14.9
$322,238
2.0
$328,683
2.0
Townhouse
NA
NA
$234,939
NA
$243,401
3.6
$255,571
5.0
Apartment
NA
NA
$150,750
NA
$132,111
-12.4
$141,359
7.0
STARTS
VANCOUVER CMA
FRASER VALLEY
Multi-family
AVERAGE PRICE (NEW)
VANCOUVER CMA
CHILLIWACK CA
Apartment
ABBOTSFORD CMA
Single-detached
Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2005
A-7
APPENDIX
Housing Starts (Dwelling Units (#))
Year
Single
Duplex
Townhouse
Apartment
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
35-Yr Avg
annual
starts
379
392
379
391
431
458
352
262
206
406
298
169
197
113
185
214
250
255
487
409
453
556
381
376
217
256
316
269
163
133
161
264
267
421
430
28
40
36
24
26
68
14
2
2
4
0
0
0
8
8
0
6
18
4
14
8
22
37
60
6
4
4
10
10
8
10
22
10
30
20
42
0
43
86
116
72
0
0
19
0
96
0
0
0
0
79
7
17
93
172
158
262
422
305
90
84
88
43
63
9
26
82
241
307
350
41
159
110
82
72
437
55
0
48
24
161
0
80
67
69
99
233
151
226
242
231
374
387
509
1
0
134
0
0
27
134
71
57
269
338
Secon.
Suites /
Other
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
2
1
3
3
0
0
0
19
12
8
5
7
9
8
31
12
66
311
16
96
140
6
A-8
Mobile
Home
Total
Change
0
0
0
18
22
27
25
8
12
9
13
11
12
9
14
11
13
14
23
22
23
22
12
16
13
17
7
5
2
2
0
2
3
2
5
490
591
568
601
667
1062
446
272
287
443
568
180
289
197
276
403
509
464
835
860
876
1,239
1,239
1,266
327
380
561
335
243
186
340
449
609
1041
1209
20.61%
-3.89%
5.81%
10.98%
59.22%
-58.00%
-39.01%
5.51%
54.36%
28.22%
-68.31%
60.56%
-31.83%
40.10%
46.01%
26.30%
-8.84%
79.96%
2.99%
1.86%
41.44%
0.00%
2.18%
-74.17%
16.21%
47.63%
-40.29%
-27.46%
-23.46%
82.80%
32.06%
35.63%
70.94%
16.14%
11
580
41.51%
APPENDIX
Housing Starts by Type (%)
Year
Single
Duplex
1977
78.92%
3.14%
0.00%
12.33%
0.00%
5.61%
1978
96.32%
0.74%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
2.94%
99%
1%
1979
71.78%
0.70%
6.62%
16.72%
0.00%
4.18%
76%
24%
1980
91.65%
0.90%
0.00%
5.42%
0.00%
2.03%
94%
6%
1981
52.46%
0.00%
16.90%
28.35%
0.00%
2.29%
55%
45%
1982
93.89%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
6.11%
100%
0%
1983
68.17%
0.00%
0.00%
27.68%
0.00%
4.15%
72%
28%
1984
57.36%
4.06%
0.00%
34.01%
0.00%
4.57%
62%
38%
1985
67.03%
2.90%
0.00%
25.00%
0.00%
5.07%
72%
28%
1986
53.10%
0.00%
19.60%
24.57%
0.00%
2.73%
56%
44%
1987
49.12%
1.18%
1.38%
45.78%
0.00%
2.55%
52%
48%
1988
54.96%
3.88%
3.66%
32.54%
1.94%
3.02%
58%
42%
1989
58.32%
0.48%
11.14%
27.07%
0.24%
2.75%
61%
39%
1990
47.56%
1.63%
20.00%
28.14%
0.12%
2.56%
50%
50%
1991
51.71%
0.91%
18.04%
26.37%
0.34%
2.63%
54%
46%
1992
44.87%
1.78%
21.15%
30.19%
0.24%
1.78%
47%
53%
1993
30.75%
2.99%
34.06%
31.23%
0.00%
0.97%
32%
68%
1994
29.70%
4.74%
24.09%
40.21%
0.00%
1.26%
31%
69%
1995
66.36%
1.83%
27.52%
0.31%
0.00%
3.98%
70%
30%
1996
67.37%
1.05%
22.11%
0.00%
5.00%
4.47%
72%
28%
1997
56.33%
0.71%
15.69%
23.89%
2.14%
1.25%
58%
42%
1998
80.30%
2.99%
12.84%
0.00%
2.39%
1.49%
82%
18%
1999
67.08%
4.12%
25.93%
0.00%
2.06%
0.82%
68%
32%
2000
71.51%
4.30%
4.84%
14.52%
3.76%
1.08%
73%
27%
2001
47.35%
2.94%
7.65%
39.41%
2.65%
0.00%
47%
53%
2002
58.80%
4.90%
18.26%
15.81%
1.78%
0.45%
59%
41%
2003
43.84%
1.64%
39.57%
9.36%
5.09%
0.49%
44%
56%
2004
40.44%
2.88%
29.49%
25.84%
1.15%
0.19%
41%
59%
2005
Annual
Average
35.57%
1.65%
28.95%
27.96%
5.46%
0.41%
36%
64%
2001-2005
Average
Apartment
Conversion
Mobile
Home
Single
Multisubtotal
family
(incl.
Subtotal
Mobile)
85%
15%
Townhouse
59.75%
2.04%
14.12%
20.44%
1.18%
2.48%
62.28%
37.72%
45.20%
2.80%
24.78%
23.68%
3.23%
0.31%
45.40%
54.60%
A-9
APPENDIX
Housing Starts
1977-2005 Average
Apartment
20%
Conver- Mobile
sion
Home
1%
2%
Single
61%
Townhouse
14%
Duplex
2%
Housing Starts
2001-2005 (5-year) Average
Apartment
24%
Townhouse
25%
A-10
Conversion
3%
Mobile
Home
0%
Single
45%
Duplex
3%
APPENDIX
Building Permits
All Building Permits (Value)
Year
Agricultural
Industrial
Institutional Commercial
Residential
Total
1986
0
394,347
19,809,341
7,332,956
25,725,363
53,262,007
1987
4,599
1,058,312
971,515
7,285,761
28,822,153
38,142,340
1988
1,488,825
3,271,041
5,563,056
5,032,291
28,536,226
43,891,439
1989
1,699,051
6,159,759
6,280,451
11,073,242
54,707,127
79,919,630
1990
2,434,000
204,000
4,987,000
9,253,000
55,971,000
72,849,000
1991
2,402,294
1,571,000
11,518,050
4,926,000
55,665,962
76,083,306
1992
2,625,000
4,685,000
15,201,000
7,252,000
83,498,000
113,261,000
1993
6,186,587
2,020,000
26,549,000
6,320,300
87,059,512
128,135,399
1994
4,629,000
4,129,000
10,198,000
9,074,000
94,390,000
122,420,000
1995
3,496,000
3,508,000
28,552,000
11,441,000
29,585,000
76,582,000
1996
3,095,000
3,654,000
9,627,000
14,292,000
31,696,400
62,364,400
1997
1,392,898
4,052,000
337,000
12,032,148
43,270,743
61,084,789
1998
4,032,297
2,835,000
1,503,075
7,823,376
31,293,047
47,486,795
1999
7,150,541
13,619,611
13,944,908
6,669,966
25,106,138
66,491,164
2000
5,430,570
7,414,500
7,384,500
7,955,357
18,437,431
46,622,358
2001
5,302,482
4,537,700
8,155,000
36,805,562
28,042,137
82,842,881
2002
5,529,692
1,701,863
6,446,000
5,750,285
43,153,164
62,581,004
2003
6,931,142
1,113,600
8,269,735
27,505,782
50,692,124
94,512,383
2004
4,137,674
20,402,370
3,868,000
7,340,537
101,209,698
136,958,279
2005
5,204,935
4,283,380
23,316,000
20,659,149
117,114,176
170,577,640
2006f
4,724,158
18,566,657
12,718,278
12,568,687
101,447,463
150,025,243
(20-year)
Average
3,658,629
4,530,724
10,624,032
11,291,236
51,698,770
A-11
APPENDIX
Chilliwack: All Building Permits
1,400
$180,000,000
$160,000,000
1,200
$140,000,000
1,000
$120,000,000
$100,000,000
800
$80,000,000
600
$60,000,000
400
$40,000,000
200
$20,000,000
0
19
85
19
86
19
87
19
88
19
89
19
90
19
91
19
92
19
93
19
94
19
95
19
96
19
97
19
98
19
99
20
00
20
01
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
$-
Total Permit Value in Current $
A-12
No. of Permit
APPENDIX
Residential Building Permits (Value)
Year
Single Family
Detached
Duplex
Change in
Value
% of All
Building
Permit Value
1986
15,682,158
0
50%
48.3%
1987
18,383,156
303,202
12%
75.6%
1988
19,523,109
1,193,124
-1%
65.0%
1989
37,788,673
243,000
92%
68.5%
1990
34,004,000
747,000
2%
76.8%
1991
36,238,110
421,000
-1%
73.2%
1992
46,654,000
1,294,000
50%
73.7%
1993
35,996,476
2,133,575
4%
67.9%
1994
35,287,000
4,265,000
8%
77.1%
1995
20,072,000
455,000
-69%
38.6%
1996
23,410,000
248,000
7%
50.8%
1997
29,317,789
341,106
37%
70.8%
1998
25,231,130
763,842
-28%
65.9%
1999
17,192,662
822,834
-20%
39.4%
2000
13,228,944
648,763
-27%
39.5%
2001
15,790,295
759,190
52%
33.8%
2002
26,939,483
1,793,753
54%
69.0%
2003
26,796,806
949,230
17%
53.6%
2004
50,659,666
3,104,900
100%
73.9%
2005
54,523,795
1,975,500
16%
68.7%
20-Year
Average
27,049,380
1,044,113
17%
61.2%
A-13
APPENDIX
Building Permit Costs
Building Bylaw 2003, No. 2970: Schedule A
PART 1 - CONSTRUCTION VALUES
1. Single family dwelling, Row housing, Semi-detached and Duplex:
(a) With full basement or part basement including first floor
(b) First storey with no basement
(c) Each additional storey
(d) Attached garages
(e) Attached carports
(f) Buildings for ancillary use greater than 10m2
$ 700.00m2
$ 500.00/m2
$ 400.00/m2
$ 350.00/m2
$ 150.00/m2
$ 150.00/m2
2. Apartments and condominiums
(a) Parking garages or basements beneath
(b) First floor with no basement
(c) Each additional floor
$ 300.00/m2
$ 550.00/m2
$ 550.00/m2
3. Agricultural Buildings
(a) (i) Farm Buildings First Storey
(ii) Farm Buildings Second Storey
(b) Pole Building
(c) Manure Storage
$120.00/m2
$ 65.00/m2
$ 85.00/m2
$ Contract Price
4. Buildings not covered in the above values, such as Assembly, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, etc.,
shall be determined by a verified contract price.
PART 2 - PERMIT FEES
1. (a) Buildings (Single Family, Multi-Family, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, etc.)
(i) Construction up to $1,000.00 of value
(ii) Construction $1,000.00 to $100,000.00 of value;
(a) First $1,000.00
(b) Each additional $1,000.00 or part thereof
but not more than $100,000.00
(c) Each additional $1,000.00 in excess of
$100,000.00 but not more than $250,000.00
(d) Each additional $1,000.00 in excess of $250,000.00
(b) Re-Inspections
(c) To site an ancillary building 10m2 or less or a swimming pool
(d) Permit Application Fee
2. Chimneys & Solid Fuelburning Appliances
(a) Chimney
(b) One appliance
(c) Each additional appliance
(d) Chimney with one appliance
(e) Each additional chimney
(f) One fireplace
A-14 (g) Each additional fireplace
$40.00
$100.00
$6.50
$6.25
$5.75
$60.00
$60.00
$300.00
$40.00
$40.00
$15.00
$50.00
$15.00
$45.00
$25.00
APPENDIX
PART 2 - PERMIT FEES (continued)
3
4
5
6
7
Plumbing
(a) First 10 Fixtures
(b) Each additional fixture
(c) Reconnection
Demolition
(a) To demolish a building or structure
Mobile or Manufactured Home or Factory-Built Units
(a) To move within the District (other than Mobile Home Parks)
$80.00
$8.00
$35.00
$150.00
$60.00
(a) Application to Move a Building
(i) Within the District
(ii) Into the District
(iii) Out of the District
$60.00
$250.00
$60.00
(b) Application to Move Accessory Building
(i) Into the District
(ii) Within the District, 10m2 or less
(iii) Within the District in excess of 10m2
$250.00
$60.00
$100.00
Highway Access
(a) Permit to construct a highway access
$40.00
$100.00
8
Letter of Compliance
9
Where appropriate Registered Professionals are retained by the owner and provide a Letter of
Certification in the form of Schedule ‘I’ and the owner indicates in writing an Acknowledgement of
Owner in the form of Schedule ‘K’ that the owner will be relying completely on the Registered
Professional(s) to perform the periodic reviews referred to in that Letter of Certification and will not be
relying on the District’s inspectors to perform those inspections, the building permit fee shall be
reduced by 40%. These amounts reflect the cost of work that will be done by the Building Inspector,
other than those periodic reviews referred to in the Letters of Certification, to determine compliance
with the Building Code and other applicable safety enactments.
PART 3 - SECURITIES
1
2
Building Moving
(a) To erect a building on the new site and restore the old site:
(i) for buildings less than 10m2
(ii) for buildings more than 10m2 but less than 50m2
(iii) for buildings more than 50m2
(iv) for mobile units, manufactured units, factorybuilt units being relocated within the District
Demolish Buildings
(a) Principal dwelling unit
(b) Ancillary buildings of less than 50m2
(c) All other buildings over 50m2
$500.00
$1,000.00
$2,500.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$500.00
$2,000.00
A-15
APPENDIX
PART 3 - SECURITIES (continued)
3 Paving
(a) To complete the paving of off-street parking areas (including
drainage, curbing, marking, and lighting)
4 Parcel Grading, Parcel Drainage & Landscaping
(a) To complete on-site parcel grading, parcel drainage and
landscaping areas
5
Any security deposited under the provisions of this bylaw may be in
the form of:
(a) Cash
(b) Certified Cheque
(c) Irrevocable Letter of Credit drawn on a Canadian Chartered Bank
or Credit Union for a term and in a form satisfactory to the District.
A-16
$8 for each square
metre of parking area
$10 for each square metre of parcel
grading, parcel drainage, and
landscaping area
733
931
Source: City of Chilliwack , 2006
605
684
1,714
4
95
1,201
9
197
1,690
6
93
1,174
9
194
1,707
6
83
1,156
9
194
1,880
6
83
1,143
9
196
1,873
6
Industrial
Business/other
Managed Forest
Recrest./non-profit
Farm (land)
Total
877
1998
1997
869
1999
1998
800
2001
2000
776
2000
1999
740
2002
2001
792
2003
2002
817
2004
2003
796
2005
2004
1,000
2006
2005
699
1,019
833
683
997
862
675
1,004
856
681
1,022
1,006
353
4,487
864
858
358
4,510
1,037
857
371
4,521
1,025
855
368
395
5,556
5,107
4,781
374
1,060
865
1,036
865
1,033
860
5
1,720
211
9
1,302
70
0
73
5
1,697
208
9
1,330
71
0
73
5
1,719
207
9
1,335
77
0
74
89
1,387
9
201
1,771
85
1,347
9
199
1,745
11
0
0
9
73
74
11
1,800
206
9
1,358
92
0
71
11
1,793
209
9
1,352
119
0
75
11
1,789
211
8
1,340
120
0
73
11
1,798
209
8
1,349
118
0
73
11
1,807
210
8
1,380
116
0
74
21,842 22,656 23,593 24,902 25,681 25,925 26,410 26,709 26,751 27,117 27,247 27,585 28,042 28,705 29,801
205
9
1,255
94
0
1
0
4
4
Unmanaged Forest
77
48
74
74
72
Unclassified/Sec 353 M.A.
819
1997
1996
18,456 19,250 20,336 21,655 22,323 22,535 23,017 23,283 23,283 23,606 23,700 24,017 24,490 25,139 26,195
586
1,072
742
Utilities
Total
other
439
1,151
1,170
1,296
1,297
farm residence
500
607
562
420
389
strata
979
1996
1995
15,439 16,424 17,285 18,361 18,846 19,165 19,598 19,879 20,101 16,080 16,198 16,453 16,625 16,968 17,319
671
ALR residence
single family
vacant
831
1995
1994
1993
1992
Assess.Roll
Residential
1994
1993
1992
1991
Actual Assess. Year
APPENDIX
Assessments
Number of Assessed Properties
A-17
2,281,391
12,420,302
400,943,553
Business/other
1996
1997
1996
1998
1997
1999
1998
2000
1999
2001
2000
2002
2001
2003
2002
2004
2003
2005
2004
2006
2005
0
30,695,700
14,334,400
16,361,300
647,065,012
247,697,811
399,367,201
267,400
81,032,400
47,552,900
33,479,500
81,232,426
0
0
27,652,800
13,528,400
14,124,400
533,533,935
236,316,333
297,217,602
248,800
69,829,700
37,769,000
32,060,700
81,849,006
0
4,756,501
0
80,681,424
38,026,745
45,306,925
83,333,670
203,300
446,475,001
264,170,813
710,645,814
18,073,300
14,900,500
32,973,800
0
123,243,103
5,002,201
0
80,074,424
34,718,002
46,414,801
81,132,803
295,900
461,122,101
289,538,517
750,660,618
15,462,000
11,215,800
26,677,800
0
122,646,602
0
79,457,424
39,062,500
46,770,200
85,832,700
285,200
477,053,500
300,472,116
777,525,616
15,563,700
11,427,600
26,991,300
0
122,228,702
5,162,301
127,391,003
(33,121,001)
(33,121,001)
80,355,724
38,399,700
52,965,000
91,364,700
313,200
471,280,100
348,990,250
820,270,350
21,434,700
13,928,900
35,363,600
0
86,137,411
4,347,900
90,485,311
(34,428,001)
(34,428,001)
79,455,024
37,113,800
49,411,200
86,525,000
316,500
549,004,201
345,857,961
804,862,162
27,982,500
18,142,300
46,124,800
0
120,879,702
5,036,901
125,916,603
(35,835,401)
(35,835,401)
79,484,024
36,374,700
52,402,700
88,777,400
372,200
469,872,901
350,275,661
820,148,562
32,165,800
21,461,600
53,627,400
0
124,604,102
5,014,401
129,618,503
(35,935,701)
(35,935,701)
79,344,824
37,461,900
56,829,300
94,291,200
348,500
496,223,101
348,331,262
844,554,363
32,761,000
22,812,900
55,573,900
0
124,399,202
4,991,401
129,390,603
(36,102,401)
(36,102,401)
78,270,724
37,367,800
61,958,200
99,326,000
362,600
498,815,701
372,372,018
871,187,719
37,874,100
28,488,100
66,360,200
0
126,852,202
6,209,101
133,061,303
(37,390,901)
(37,390,901)
79,955,824
42,327,200
61,614,000
103,941,200
296,400
479,067,401
384,590,868
863,658,269
38,546,200
29,548,000
68,092,200
0
127,790,302
5,973,001
133,763,303
6,620,561
45,256,100
37,184,100
82,440,200
0
439,600
(40,715,401)
(40,715,401)
79,121,724
57,831,900
64,903,600
-39,027,301
-40,715,401
78,865,539
57,932,900
68,248,578
122,735,500 126,181,478
350,200
524,595,300 559,658,831
408,292,287 461,710,457
932,887,587 1,021,369,288
47,935,800
31,562,800
79,498,600
0
132,795,902 132,232,002
6,338,501
139,134,403 138,852,563
943,829,860
1,551,207,084 1,805,312,857 1,956,895,265 2,054,880,139 2,236,042,604 2,255,891,209 2,378,925,308 2,221,494,217 2,236,805,907 2,269,022,906 2,396,117,806 2,582,061,506 2,903,851,805 3,553,974,894 3,879,782,137
improvements
321,209,529 1,814,759,764 1,996,757,075 1,940,925,404 1,928,099,580 1,972,943,978 2,105,672,732 2,085,025,812 2,132,325,256 2,124,354,526 2,281,003,936 2,414,612,284 2,688,547,832 3,235,606,385
4,742,901
127,648,803
land
0
119,285,903
4,474,001
107,120,303
127,999,604
2,495,036,944 3,126,522,386 3,771,655,029 4,132,126,292 4,176,968,008 4,183,990,789 4,351,869,286 4,327,166,949 4,321,831,719 4,401,348,162 4,520,472,332 4,843,065,442 5,318,464,089 6,242,522,726 7,115,388,522
0
84,323,243
31,257,100
30,705,800
61,962,900
124,028,804
111,594,304
Total
improvements
land
Unclassified/S.353 M.A.
84,576,535
29,306,000
improvements
Farm
21,438,600
land
50,744,600
187,897
Recreat./non-profit
292,889,600
262,930,113
improvements
Managed Forest
217,600
187,692,833
480,582,433
13,750,200
11,638,300
25,388,500
179,200
108,459,103
3,515,901
111,975,004
138,013,440
land
10,174,950
improvements
22,595,252
land
Industrial
153,407
97,399,550
land
Unmanaged Forest
1995
1995
1,149,151,119 1,358,956,854 1,506,372,260 1,600,929,237 1,610,224,455 1,621,942,504 1,725,016,906 1,604,242,306 1,591,825,704 1,606,005,403 1,705,272,603 1,861,151,703 2,216,120,702 2,790,815,992 3,084,702,304
99,680,941
improvements
1994
1993
1994
687,003,640 1,002,936,652 1,440,574,224 1,566,875,313 1,530,905,941 1,495,557,937 1,529,369,137 1,604,771,758 1,586,805,926 1,623,314,670 1,611,696,339 1,733,345,193 1,852,636,191 2,097,978,720 2,582,537,550
Utilities
improvements
land
1993
1992
1,836,154,759 2,361,893,506 2,946,946,484 3,167,804,550 3,141,130,396 3,117,500,441 3,254,386,043 3,209,014,064 3,178,631,630 3,229,320,073 3,316,968,942 3,594,496,896 4,068,756,893 4,888,794,712 5,667,239,854
1992
Assess.Roll
Residential
1991
A-18
Actual Assess. Year
APPENDIX
Assessment by Type (Actual Dollars)
APPENDIX
Assessment by Type (Percentage)
A ct ual A ssess. Y ear
19 9 1
19 9 2
19 9 3
19 9 4
19 9 5
19 9 6
19 9 7
19 9 8
19 9 9
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
A ssess. R o l l
19 9 2
19 9 3
19 9 4
19 9 5
19 9 6
19 9 7
19 9 8
19 9 9
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Resident ial
73.59%
75.54%
78.13%
76.66%
75.20%
74.51%
74.78%
74.16%
73.55%
73.37%
73.38%
74.22%
76.50%
78.31%
79.65%
* land
27.53%
32.08%
38.19%
37.92%
36.65%
35.74%
35.14%
37.09%
36.72%
36.88%
35.65%
35.79%
34.83%
33.61%
36.30%
* improvement s
46.06%
43.47%
39.94%
38.74%
38.55%
38.77%
39.64%
37.07%
36.83%
36.49%
37.72%
38.43%
41.67%
44.71%
43.35%
Ut ilit ies
4.00%
3.58%
2.96%
3.00%
3.06%
3.05%
2.93%
2.09%
2.91%
2.94%
2.86%
2.75%
2.52%
2.23%
1.95%
* land
0.09%
0.11%
0.12%
2.89%
0.11%
0.12%
0.12%
0.10%
0.12%
0.11%
0.11%
0.13%
0.11%
0.10%
9.00%
* improvement s
3.90%
3.47%
2.84%
0.11%
2.95%
2.93%
2.81%
1.99%
2.80%
2.83%
2.75%
2.62%
2.40%
2.13%
1.86%
Unmanaged Forest
0.01%
0.01%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
Indust rial
0.91%
0.81%
0.73%
0.74%
0.79%
0.64%
0.62%
0.82%
1.07%
1.22%
1.23%
1.37%
1.28%
1.27%
1.16%
* land
0.41%
0.37%
0.36%
0.35%
0.36%
0.27%
0.26%
0.32%
0.42%
0.49%
0.50%
0.59%
0.56%
0.51%
52.00%
* improvement s
0.50%
0.44%
0.37%
0.40%
0.43%
0.37%
0.36%
0.50%
0.65%
0.73%
0.72%
0.78%
0.72%
0.77%
64.00%
Business/ Ot her
16.07%
15.37%
14.15%
15.66%
17.01%
17.94%
17.87%
18.96%
18.62%
18.63%
18.68%
17.99%
16.24%
14.94%
14.35%
* land
5.53%
6.00%
6.27%
5.99%
6.32%
6.92%
6.90%
8.07%
8.00%
7.96%
7.71%
7.69%
7.23%
6.54%
6.49%
* improvement s
10.54%
9.37%
7.88%
9.66%
10.69%
11.02%
10.96%
10.89%
10.62%
10.68%
10.98%
10.30%
9.01%
8.40%
7.87%
M anaged Forest
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
0.00%
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
1.00%
Recreat ion/ non-prof it
2.03%
1.98%
1.85%
1.96%
2.00%
1.94%
1.97%
2.11%
2.00%
2.02%
2.09%
2.05%
1.95%
1.97%
1.77%
* land
0.86%
0.98%
1.00%
1.15%
1.08%
1.11%
1.07%
1.22%
1.14%
1.19%
1.26%
1.28%
1.16%
1.04%
96.00%
1.17%
1.00%
0.85%
0.81%
0.91%
0.83%
0.90%
0.89%
0.86%
0.83%
0.83%
0.77%
0.80%
0.93%
81.00%
* improvement s
Farm
3.39%
2.70%
2.17%
1.97%
1.93%
1.91%
1.83%
1.86%
1.84%
1.81%
1.76%
1.62%
1.50%
1.27%
1.11%
Unclassif ied/ S.353M
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
-0.77%
-0.80%
-0.81%
-0.79%
-0.75%
-0.70%
-0.65%
-57.00%
* land
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
* improvement s
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
-0.77%
-0.80%
-0.81%
-0.79%
-0.75%
-0.70%
-0.65%
-55.00%
Tot al
100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
* land
37.83%
42.26%
48.12%
48.32%
46.47%
46.08%
45.34%
48.66%
48.24%
48.45%
46.99%
47.10%
45.40%
43.07%
45.47%
* improvement s
62.17%
57.74%
51.88%
51.68%
53.53%
53.92%
54.66%
51.34%
51.76%
51.55%
53.01%
52.90%
54.60%
56.93%
54.53%
Source: Cit y of Chilliwack, 2006
Property Assessment (Actual Value) Dollars by Type (%)
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
Actual Year of Assessm ent
Residential
Industrial
Unmanaged Forest
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
0%
Business/other
Farm
Managed forest
Recreat./non-profit
A-19
APPENDIX
Assessment by Type (Real Growth Index)
A ct ual A ssess. Y ear
19 9 1
19 9 2
19 9 3
19 9 4
19 9 5
19 9 6
19 9 7
19 9 8
19 9 9
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
A ssess. R o l l
19 9 2
19 9 3
19 9 4
19 9 5
19 9 6
19 9 7
19 9 8
19 9 9
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
162
203
241
259
251
247
255
251
246
246
248
263
291
343
388
-land
156
221
301
328
314
303
308
322
315
316
309
325
340
377
453
-improvement s
167
192
202
214
211
210
222
206
202
200
209
223
260
321
346
Ut ilit ies
96
105
99
110
111
110
109
77
106
107
105
106
104
106
103
-land
63
95
114
3,045
119
124
127
106
122
119
117
142
134
139
142
Resident ial
97
105
99
4
111
109
108
76
106
107
105
104
103
105
102
Unmanaged Forest
114
129
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Indust rial
-improvement s
153
167
173
192
202
161
162
212
273
312
318
371
372
426
431
-land
129
143
158
167
171
127
128
156
201
233
244
298
302
317
364
-improvement s
180
194
189
219
237
201
201
275
356
401
402
454
453
552
508
129
151
159
192
207
216
222
234
227
227
230
232
225
238
255
-land
135
179
214
224
234
254
261
303
297
295
289
301
305
317
350
-improvement s
126
137
132
177
194
198
203
200
193
194
201
198
186
200
208
M anaged f orest
518
583
632
680
506
729
697
763
763
881
811
825
660
765
937
Recreat ./ non-prof it
179
213
228
264
266
256
269
286
268
270
282
290
297
344
345
-land
179
250
291
366
342
347
347
391
361
376
401
427
416
430
441
-improvement s
180
187
181
189
211
190
212
208
199
192
194
189
210
281
275
Farm
77
75
69
68
66
65
64
65
63
62
61
59
59
57
56
Unclassif ied/ S. 353 M .A.
Business/ ot her
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-land
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-improvement s
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
147
179
205
225
222
220
228
226
223
223
225
236
253
292
324
Tot al
-land
140
190
248
272
259
255
259
276
270
271
265
278
289
315
370
-improvement s
152
172
177
186
198
197
207
193
192
191
198
207
230
276
294
A-20
APPENDIX
Land Space
Commercial Floor Space by Group (part 1)
Busine ss T ype
SIC
Code
Total
Floor
Space
(m2)
Total
Establishments
SERVICES INCIDENTAL TO LIVESTOCK - SIC #021
VETERINARIANS
21
3,303
13
RETAIL - FOOD STORES
601
32,327
46
RETAIL - DRUG STORES
603
4,138
6
MOBILE PRODUCT MARKET, CORN STANDS/FARMERS MARKET
604
-
8
SHOE STORES - RETAIL
611
1,081
4
RETAIL MENS CLOTHING STORES
612
429
2
RETAIL WOMEN'S CLOTHING
613
3,591
19
CLOTHING STORES - GENERAL
614
2,809
9
RETAIL FABRIC AND YARN STORES
615
929
1
RETAIL CHILDRENS CLOTHING
616
144
2
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE STORES - RETAIL
621
4,646
6
RETAIL - APPLIANCE TELEVISION & RADIO STORES
622
177
2
HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS - RETAIL
623
10,072
22
AUTOMOBILE DEALERS
631
15,896
26
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DEALERS - RETAIL
632
942
4
SERVICE STATIONS
633
1,382
9
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
634
9,294
20
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOPS - AUTO BODY
635
22,008
78
OTHER MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICES
639
6,231
30
GENERAL MERCHANDISE - NEW & USED
641
42,486
45
CONVENIENCE STORE & GAS BAR
642
4,053
23
RETAIL - BOOKS LAND STATIONARY STORES
651
4,182
8
RETAIL - FLORISTS, LAWN & GARDEM CENTRES
652
2,800
12
RETAIL - HARDWARE, PAINT, GLASS & WALLPAPER STORE
653
2,303
8
RETAIL - SPORTING GOODS AND BICYCLE SHOPS
654
4,386
14
RETAIL - MUSICAL INSTRUMENT AND RECORD STORES
655
130
1
RETAIL - JEWELLERY STORES
656
994
8
Continued next page
A-21
APPENDIX
RETAIL - CAMERA & PHOTO SUPPLY STORES
657
268
2
RETAIL - TOY, HOBBY, NOVELTY & SOUVENIR & GIFTS
658
1,123
11
RETAIL - OTHER RETAIL STORES - ART
659
10,623
59
NON RETAIL - VENDING MACHINE OPERATOR
691
483
2
NON RETAIL - DIRECT SALES
692
281
5
CHARTERED BANK
702
3,527
8
TRUST COMPANY
703
622
1
CREDIT UNION
705
4,332
8
CONSUMER LOAN COMPANIES
711
242
2
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT INTERMEDIARIES
721
1,692
10
LIFE INSURERS
731
215
2
PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURERS
733
2,209
15
SECURITY BROKERS & DEALERS
741
225
1
RESIDENTIAL RENTALS
751
3,075
147
MOBILE & MANUFACTURED HOME SALES
758
1,323
3
MOBILE HOME PARKS
759
358
6
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
760
1,990
7
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES AND PERSONNEL SUPPLIERS
771
1,122
3
COMPUTER RELATED SERVICES
772
1,019
13
ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
773
3,384
22
ADVERTISING SERVICES
774
660
4
ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING AND OTHER TECHNICAL
SERVICES
775
1,155
10
LAWYERS & NOTARIES
776
2,527
10
MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES
777
-
5
779
10,142
43
POST SECONDARY NON-UNIVERSITY INSTIT
852
465
1
OTHER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES - MUSIC TEACHERS
859
2,156
8
PRIVATE COMMUNITY CARE FACILITIES
862
172
3
OTHER HEALTH SERVICES
863
500
8
NON-INSTITUTIONAL PRIVATE CARE - DAYCARE
864
725
28
OFFICES OF PHYSICIANS & DENTISTS
865
8,778
68
OFFICES OF OTHER HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
866
3,045
24
OFFICES OF SOCIAL SERVICES PRACTITIONERS
867
517
10
OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES - SECURITIES & INVESTIGATION
Continued next page
A-22
APPENDIX
BC BIOMEDICAL LABORATORIES LTD. (INLAND MEDICAL)
868
267
1
HOTELS/MOTELS
911
862
27
LODGING HOUSES AND RESIDENTIAL CLUBS
912
-
CAMPGROUNDS AND RV PARKS
913
85
2
RESTAURANTS & CATERERS
921
21,560
124
NEIGHBOURHOOD PUBS & CABARETS
922
2,780
8
MOTION PICTURE, VIDEO & AUDIO TAPE DISTRIB
961
2,777
9
MOTION PICTURE THEATRE
962
2,017
2
SPORTS AND RECREATION CLUBS & SERVICES
965
7,574
23
GAMBLING AND BINGO OPERATIONS
966
962
2
OTHER AMUSEMENT & RECREATION SERVICES
969
3,197
8
BARBER AND BEAUTY SHOPS
971
3,801
59
DRY CLEANERS AND LAUNDROMATS
972B
1,615
12
FUNERAL SERVICES
973
741
4
OTHER PERSONAL & HOUSEHOLD SERVICES
979
1,821
27
CHURCHES & RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
981
60
1
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT RENTALS
991
905
2
AUTOMOBILE & TRUCK RENTALS
992
836
6
PHOTOGRAPHERS
993
200
2
OTHER REPAIR SERVICES
994
1,768
14
SERVICES TO BUILDINGS & DWELLINGS - JANITORIAL
995
354
3
TRAVEL AGENCIES
996
986
12
OTHER SERVICES - PARKING LOTS ETC.
999
139
4
All
304,995
1,327
All excl. rental apartment offices (751)
301,920
1,180
-
Note: This table excludes home-based/ cottage industries and non resident permits
Source: City oi Chilliwack, 2004
A-23
APPENDIX
Industrial Floor Space by Major Groups
(part 1)
Business Type
Floor Space
(m2)
Total
Establishments
Agricultural Industries
1
-
1
Service industries incidental to agriculture
(excluding. SIC #021 - veterinarians, et. al.)
2
2,362
5
Logging
4
121
2
Forestry Services
5
167
1
Quarry and Sand Pit
8
100
1
Food
10
12,607
24
Beverage
11
2,391
8
Plastic products
16
7,631
4
Clothing
24
232
1
Wood
25
39,353
36
Furniture and Fixture
26
2,789
8
Printing, Publishing and Allied Industries
28
2,630
9
Fabricated Metal Products
30
8,997
17
Machinery
31
11,989
7
Transportation Equipment
32
3,138
2
Electrical and Electronic Products
33
93
1
Continued next page
A-24
SIC
Code
APPENDIX
Industrial Floor space by Major Groups
(part 2)
Non-Metallic Mineral Products
35
267
Chemical and Chemical Products
37
-
Other Manufacturing
39
1,957
10
Building, Developing and General Contracting
40
1,271
14
Industrial and Heavy (Engineering) Construction
41
473
4
Trade Contracting
42
4,588
30
Transportation
45
6,114
32
Storage and Warehouse
47
19,517
6
Communication
48
1,138
2
Petroleum Products Wholesale
51
773
3
Food, Beverage, Drug and Tobacco Wholesale
52
1,524
2
Metals/Hardware/Plumbing/Heating/Building
Material Wholesale
56
9,363
15
Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Wholesale
57
5,020
6
Other Products Wholesale
59
1,515
6
148,120
260
Total
3
-
A-25
APPENDIX
Taxation
All rates current as of January 1, 2006, unless otherwise stated.
Corporate Income Tax/Franchise Tax
BUSINESS
under $400,000
BUSINESS
$400,000+
MFG
Federal
Rate (range)
Formula (e.g. Sales, Property
and Payroll)
13.12%
22.12%
22.12%
Payroll & Gross Payroll & Gross Payroll & Gross
Revenue
Revenue
Revenue
Accelerated Depreciation
Permitted
No
No
No
Income apportioned only to provinces where a permanent establishment exists.
Provincial (State)
Rate (range)
4.50%
12.00%
12.00%
Formula (e.g. Sales, Property
and Payroll)
Income
Income
Income
No
No
No
0%
0%
0%
Federal Tax Deductible
Local
Rate (range)
NOTE: British Columbia has no local corporate income taxes.
Total Federal and Provincial
Corporate Income Tax
17.62%
34.12%
34.12%
Capital Tax
BUSINESS
under $400,000
BUSINESS
$400,000+
MFG
Federal - non-Deductible Expense
0%
0%
0%
Provincial - non-Deductible Expense
0%
0%
0%
Federal
NOTE: Eliminated effective January 1, 2004.
Source: All corporate and personal tax information --- provincial and federal governments.
A-26
APPENDIX
Personal Income Tax Rate (Range)
FEDERAL
STATE/
PROVINCIAL
LOCAL
Earned Income
16.00% - 29.00%
6.05% - 14.70%
0%
Unearned Income (e.g. Dividend)
3.33% - 19.58%
1.19% - 12.00%
0%
Capital Gains
8.00% - 14.50%
3.03% - 7.35%
0%
Sales/Use Tax Rate
RATE
NOTES
Federal Goods and Service Tax (GST)
6%
GST is fully recoverable.
Provincial (State) Sales Tax (PST)
7%
0% for production machinery and
equipment for eligible manufacturers.
Local
0%
BC has no local sales tax.
Total (Effective Combined Rate) Business
7%
GST on business inputs is fully
recoverable.
Sales Tax Rate by Utility
RATE
NOTES
Electric Power
7%
Natural Gas
7%
Fuel Oil
7%
Water
0%
Sewer
0%
Hazardous Waste Disposal
7%
Telephone Subject to Sale/Use Tax
YES/NO
Yes
RATE
7%
NOTES
Yes
7%
Long Distance Out of State
Yes
Comments: Toll Free service is not subject to sales tax.
7%
Local
Long Distance In State
A-27
APPENDIX
Machinery and Equipment Subject to Sales/Use Tax
Production
Non-Production 1
Pollution Control 2
Office Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment
NOTE:
1 — Equipment used in software development is exempt.
2 — Equipment used in manufacturing and processing is exempt.
YES/NO RATE
NOTES
No
0% GST is fully recoverable.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sales/Use Tax on Tangible Property
YES/NO RATE
NOTES
Yes
Yes
No sales/use tax on
No
0%
manufacturers' raw
materials.
Yes
Yes
Office Building Construction Materials
Industrial Building Construction Materials
Manufacturers’ Raw Materials
Standard Software
Custom Software
Sales/Use Tax on Intangible Property
YES/NO RATE
No
0%
No
0%
No
0%
Accounts Receivable
Capital Stock
Stock/Bond Transaction Fee
NOTES
Property Tax Rates
Real Property Tax Rates per $100 of Assessed Property (Land and Buildings) - Municipal
Residential
Utilities
Forestry Major Ind.
Light Ind.
Business
Farm
Man. Forest
Recreation
N/A
1.214329
1.287582
1.230904
1.433234
0.280048
N/A
N/A
0.052683
0.056150
0.054013
0.062433
0.012096
N/A
N/A
0.112450
0.081030
0.033073
0.099220
0.033073
N/A
N/A
0.920000
0.920000
0.680000
0.210000
0.420000
N/A
N/A
0.090498
0.094668
0.073773
0.104989
0.022869
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
2.439430
2.071763
1.909876
0.768086
City (Municipal) Millage
0.489844
3.980658
N/A
County (Regional District) Millage
0.021344
0.174608
Hospital Millage
0.033073
0.115757
School Millage
0.323040
1.490000
Special District Millage (Other)
0.034111
0.263543
Assessment Ratio (%)
100%
100%
Effective Rate per $100 of assessed property - 2006 Rate
0.901412
A-28
6.024566
N/A
N/A
2.389960
APPENDIX
Property Tax Rates (continued)
Property Tax Rates per $100 Assessed Personal Property (M&E, Inventory, other)
Municipal
City (Municipal) Millage
County (Regional District) Millage
Hospital
School Millage
NOTE: BC does not have personal
Special District Millage (Other)
property taxes
Assessment Ratio (%)
Effective Rate per $100 of assessed property
Provincial Property Tax Effective Rate per $100
Real Property
0%
Personal Property (machinery/equipment)
0%
Subject to Personal Property Tax
YES/NO
No
RATE
0%
Non Production Machinery and Equipment
No
0%
Pollution Control
No
0%
Raw Materials
No
0%
Work in Progress
No
0%
Finished Goods
No
0%
Applicable to Warehousing
No
0%
Applicable to Manufacturing
No
0%
Goods Stored in Public Warehouse
No
0%
Computer Equipment
No
N/A
Workstations
No
N/A
Telephones
No
N/A
Furniture
No
N/A
Company Vehicles
No
N/A
Standard Software
No
N/A
Custom Software
No
0%
Production Machinery and Equipment
Inventory
Freeport Legislation
Office Furniture-Fixture
A-29
APPENDIX
Tax Comparisons
Local Occupation Tax (paid by Employer)
RATE
0%
City Residents
Non-City Residents
BASIS
N/A
0%
Local Wage Tax (Paid by Employer)
N/A
RATE
BASIS
City Residents
0%
N/A
Non-City Residents
0%
N/A
Gross Receipts Tax Rate by Type of Business
British Columbia does not tax Gross Receipts.
Source: Invest BC, 2006
Municipal Tax and Per Capita Taxation (calculated on 2005 Tax Year)
Municipality
Population*
Campbell
River
Chilliw ack
29,617
66,618
Mission
New WestN.
minster
Vancouver
Nanaimo
32,894
76,736
59,426
48,136
Penticton
32,519
Port
Coquitlam
57,308
W.
Vancouver
Victoria
76,387
42,867
Property Class
Residential
Utilities
8,726,862 24,544,742 13,897,661 36,741,156 22,840,358 16,251,305 13,061,526 19,728,452 33,872,454 39,258,543
522,744
1,661,337
251,561
494,172
482,300
283,200
217,043
266,171
450,518
81,281
Major Industry
6,226,950
0
0
4,146,202
2,643,386
3621245
0
0
0
0
Light Industry
202,361
864,037
593,755
597,177
1,768,486
556,277
344,893
3,192,432
462,356
0
3,849,724
7,457,359
4,374,723 10,511,475 37,149,013
3,401,843
131224
7,421
675
2,721
0
0
0
0
0
0
34,130
66,656
110,357
123,672
38,231
11,847
41,592
58,762
162,760
163,478
748
938,069
50,515
270
241
0
36175
15,553
0
0
Business
Managed Forest
Rec/Non-Profit
Farm
Total
Residential
Utilities
Major Industry
3,511,961 18,103,952 10,880,733 13,058,135
19,694,743 35,539,621 18,416,485 60,209,322 38,653,735 33,782,009 18,075,952 33,772,845 72,097,101 42,905,145
295
368
422
479
384
338
402
344
443
916
18
25
8
6
8
6
7
5
6
2
210
0
0
54
44
75
0
0
0
0
7
13
18
8
30
12
11
56
6
0
130
112
107
236
183
271
135
183
486
79
Managed Forest
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Rec/Non-Profit
1
1
3
2
1
0
1
1
2
4
Farm
0
14
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
Total
665
533
560
785
650
702
557
589
943
1001
Light Industry
Business
* Population estimates from July 1, 2005 BC Stats.
A-30
4.66755 1.22285 0.62057 1.67153 2.58942 0.18552 14.33234 0.29090
0.90430 0.23692 0.12023 0.32384 0.50168 0.03594
Managed Forest 3.20500 0.16990
0.62094 0.05663
2.77276 0.05663
Recreational
Farm
4.19779 1.09978 0.55811 1.50330 2.32881 0.16684 12.87582 0.26470
2.88244 0.13875
4.03806 1.05793 0.53668 1.44609 2.24020 0.16060 12.30905 0.08160
2.80048 0.08160
3.93863 1.03188 0.52366 1.41049 2.18504 0.15654 12.14328 0.26470
Business/Other
BCAA
4.89844 0.08160
Local
2.70449 0.19255
Dyking
Light Industry
Rec
8.96349 0.19822 13.05383 3.41998 1.73556 4.67479 7.24188 0.51884 39.80659 0.51450
Roads
Utilities
Library
1.59573 0.41806 0.21216 0.57146 0.88526 0.06342
Fire
1.09572 0.05663
Police
Residential
General Transit
MFA
0.54013 0.00020
0.12096 0.00020
0.62433 0.00080
0.56150 0.00010
0.52683 0.00050
1.74608 0.00050
0.21344 0.00030
Regional
District
Calculation of 2006 Property Taxes
Municipal Tax
3.23040
3.85647
Other
0.33073
0.33073
0.99220
0.81030
1.12450
6.80000
4.20000
2.10000
7.75266
4.73349
4.00823
9.20000 10.83660
9.20000 11.11653
1.15757 14.90000 18.31865
0.33073
Hospital School
Drain
9.01713
Total Tax
on Land
7.68086
20.06171 0.65593 20.71764
7.53397 0.14689
18.34058 0.75819 19.09877
23.71242 0.68188 24.39430
23.25982 0.63978 23.89960
58.12523 2.12043 60.24567
8.75792 0.25921
Total Tax
on Impmts
APPENDIX
A-31
APPENDIX
Percentage Increase in Taxes (1994 - 2005)
(BC Municipalities)
M uni ci p al i t y
Abbot sf ord
Burnaby
Chilliw ack
Coquit lam*
Kamloops
Kelowna
Langley Cit y
M aple Ridge****
M ission
Nanaimo**
New West minst er
Port Coquit lam
Whit e Rock***
A ver ag e
2005
12 - Y ear
T o t al
3.90%
1.75%
39.33%
3.28%
2.75%
2.97%
2.95%
28.46%
2.37%
2 . 55%
2 . 9 5%
2 . 8 5%
2 . 8 5%
2 8 .9 0 %
2 . 4 1%
3.50%
3.90%
4.52%
4.05%
3.59%
52.71%
4.39%
1.90%
1.56%
1.88%
3.66%
3.39%
2.00%
21.89%
1.82%
2.93%
1.82%
1.86%
1.65%
1.90%
1.75%
2.00%
27.01%
2.25%
5.00%
3.30%
3.40%
3.60%
1.00%
2.86%
2.20%
2.27%
32.03%
2.67%
3.57%
2.95%
3.95%
4.00%
4.00%
4.00%
4.00%
4.00%
4.90%
35.37%
2.95%
2.00%
2.00%
1.74%
4.50%
3.46%
2.48%
2.47%
4.26%
3.26%
3.23%
33.40%
2.78%
3.00%
3.00%
3.50%
1.80%
-1.90%
-1.56%
3.40%
1.70%
2.45%
2.30%
3.50%
22.11%
1.84%
1.85%
1.44%
1.50%
2.90%
0.98%
3.57%
0.00%
0.00%
2.80%
2.10%
3.11%
2.24%
22.49%
1.87%
2.00%
1.55%
0.00%
0.00%
2.60%
1.90%
2.70%
2.90%
3.26%
3.80%
2.10%
2.90%
25.71%
2.14%
1.80%
1.50%
1.90%
1.10%
0.49%
0.50%
4.49%
2.81%
3.39%
3.35%
0.00%
-1.09%
20.24%
1.69%
2 . 2 1%
1. 6 3 %
1. 2 1%
2 . 71%
2 . 50 %
2 .6 3 %
2 .8 6 %
2 .9 9 %
2 . 6 5%
3 .2 8 %
2 . 76 %
2 . 55%
2 9 . 9 7%
2 . 50 %
19 9 4
19 9 5
19 9 6
19 9 7
19 9 8
19 9 9
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
3.50%
5.00%
6.00%
6.00%
5.30%
3.90%
3.98%
1.80%
1.90%
1.00%
2.00%
3.50%
1.75%
2.39%
3.50%
1.95%
2 .0 0 %
1. 50 %
0 .0 0 %
1. 8 5%
1. 8 0 %
3 . 75%
2 . 8 5%
3 . 9 5%
4.80%
4.80%
3.45%
5.71%
4.69%
4.00%
5.70%
4.00%
1.50%
1.00%
2.00%
-1.00%
0.00%
2.89%
2.00%
1.90%
3.37%
2.94%
4.70%
0.00%
0.00%
3.70%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
2.00%
2.00%
0.92%
12 - Y ear
A ver ag e
*In 2004, increases w ere different by class. Residential increase w as 4.79%, others w ere 3.31%.
**For 1998 - 2001, increases w ere different by class. Residential increases during those years = 3.0%, 0.0%, 0.97%, 4.0%.
***In 2004, White Rock removed drainage and created a separate drainage fee. In 2005, White Rock increased their drainage fee by 56%.
****In 2005, Maple Ridge's increase does not include a 2% increase in the fire levy.
A-32
APPENDIX
Municipal Taxes for BC Communities
(based on 2005 rates)
Municipal
Taxes on a
Rep. House
10-Year
Average %
Increase In
Taxes
Residential
Taxes Per
Capita
Abbotsford
2247
3.93
336
196
532
Burnaby
2996
2.48
325
364
689
Campbell River
1644
295
370
665
Municipality
Chilliwack
Business &
Total
Other Taxes Taxation
Per Capita Per Capita
2087
2.54
368
165
533
Coquitlam
2767
4.31
349
262
611
Kamloops
2210
1.64
463
342
805
Kelowna
2389
2.21
466
213
379
Langley City
2504
2.73
340
291
631
Langley Township
2278
1.15
385
240
625
Maple Ridge
2368
3.54
383
119
502
Mission
2285
2.94
422
138
560
Nanaimo
2289
1.82
479
306
785
New Westminster
3093
1.92
384
266
650
North Vancouver City
2998
338
364
702
North Vancouver District
3427
471
182
653
Pitt Meadows
2163
334
221
555
Port Coquitlam
2528
344
245
589
Prince George
1965
393
339
732
Saanich
2883
495
119
614
Surrey
2297
261
113
374
2.22
A-33
APPENDIX
DCC Bylaw 2689 (Effective January 1, 2006)
Water
Residential
Subdivision
(per parcel)
Multi-Family
Residential
(per unit)
Sew er
Roads
Drainage
Parkland
Totals
2006
1,751.55 2,270.33 9,661.82 447.86 1,626.08 15,757.64
Totals
2005
Difference
13,507.72
2,249.92
Townhouse 1,287.90 1,669.36 7,641.62 231.15
839.27
11,669.30
9,949.50
1,719.80
Apartment
839.27
10,814.34
9,234.75
1,579.59
231.15
839.27
4,099.38
3,447.60
651.78
1,287.90 1,669.36 7,641.62 231.15
839.27
11,669.30
9,949.50
1,719.80
Congregate
Living
Mobile Home
Park/ Subdivision
(per pad space)
1,030.32 1,335.49 7,378.11 231.15
745.34
966.1
1317.52
Commercial
(per m2)
7.78
5.05
8.23
n/a
n/a
21.06
16.93
1.91
Institutional
(per m2)
7.78
5.05
8.23
2.89
10.49
34.44
30.6
3.84
Industrial
(per m2)
4.45
2.88
8.23
n/a
n/a
15.56
11.55
4.01
As per Bylaw 2689 Schedule B, no sewer DCC is payable under this Schedule (B) within an area of land that
is:(3) within the Eastern Hillsides area outlined in the map forming Schedule F to the Bylaw.
A-34
APPENDIX
Survey of Taxes & Development Cost Charges
Note: This information is based on the following assumptions:
1. The improvement value is for a 50,000 sq.ft. plant (eg Unifeed – Chilliwack) valued on a Cost
basis and does not include any assessable machinery, equipment, or possible outbuildings.
2. Land is based on each municipality’s typical rate for 10 acres of raw industrial land.
3. Both values are as determined under the guidelines for BC Assessment Authority.
Land
Improvement
2004
Industrial
Tax Rate
Total Taxes
(2004 Rate)
Total
DCCs
Total
Charges
Abbotsford
2,400,000
2,076,000
15.24630
68,242
488,047
556,290
Chilliwack
1,480,000
2,076,000
11.02817
39,216
62,895
102,112
Coquitlam
3,850,000
2,076,000
19.80830
117,384
116,129
233,513
Delta
11,500,000
2,076,000
14.39190
195,384
399,765
595,149
Langley Township
2,800,000
2,076,000
14.67783
71,569
460,549
532,118
Maple Ridge
3,000,000
2,076,000
14.48500
73,526
180,348
253,874
Mission
1,500,000
2,076,000
17.98810
64,325
133,052
197,377
Richmond
12,000,000
2,076,000
14.08157
198,212
198,513
396,725
Surrey
10,000,000
2,076,000
9.87094
119,201
423,560
542,761
Municipality
A-35
APPENDIX
A-36
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Dated Printed: August 17, 2006
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