The City of Chilliwack's Annual Municipal Report 2024 puts the spotlight on the municipal achievements and fiscal growth made in Chilliwack, while providing a road map for the future.
Comparing the Chilliwack-based stats provided in the 2023 and 2024 annual reports, there were obvious leaps made last year. For example, in building permit construction values totalled $314 million in 2024, compared to $274 million in 2023, a difference of $40 million.
The report is set to be received by council at the June 17 council meeting.
Looking at other numbers showcased in the "City Snapshot," the estimated population of Chilliwack grew by 4,300 people last year, increasing from 103,500 to 107,800 people, and the average house price rose to $737,872, compared to $739,108, according to Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board stats.
The other area of obvious growth was new business licences, with 747 local ventures licensed in 2024 versus the 618 new business licences in 2023.
"In 2024, we focused on creating a more accessible and inclusive community," Mayor Ken Popove said in his 'Message from the Mayor' inside the annual report.
"We were honoured to receive the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified Gold Rating for improvements made to the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre.
He pointed to equipment and accessibility improvements that were incorporated into some local playgrounds, including Sardis Park and the brand-new Webb Avenue Park.
"We also launched an accessibility survey with in-person engagement and heard valuable feedback from residents on how to continue to make our city more inclusive for everyone," Popove said.
"In recognition of the importance of the heritage, culture, and continued contributions of Stó:lō Coast Salish peoples to this region, we were honoured to add two new welcome figures in the spring, carved by Yeqwyeqwí:ws Chief Terry Horne, installed outside City Hall."
Key infrastructure projects were completed in 2024.
"We continued to make parking downtown easier with the addition of 58 new stalls at the Victoria Avenue parking lot, and finished work on a new pedestrian walkway called Paramount Alley, which allows a safe walking path from the Victoria Avenue parking lot to Yale Road," the mayor wrote.
A culvert on Prest Road was replaced last summer in preparation for the remainder of the Prest road-widening work to be completed in 2025.
"We also worked on active transportation initiatives with the creation of a multi-use pathway on Tyson and Keith Wilson roads, allowing residents safe transportation options when getting around Chilliwack."
The annual report can be found on the city website from the finance department report contained in the June 17 council meeting agenda.
