2017 Annual Report

31 City of Chilliwack 2017 Annual Report Highlights Chilliwack’s Homelessness Action Plan In ongoing efforts to establish a comprehensive community response system that helps people obtain and retain safe, affordable, appropriate housing, the City, through advocacy and direct support saw: y Increased provincial funding for outreach and harm reduction (needle recovery) y Increased provincial rent subsidies for market rental housing y Approval of Federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding for homelessness prevention y Provincial funding for 115 affordable rental units for low income households (MQHS and Ruth & Naomi’s) y Provincial funding for a 40 bed modular shelter (Salvation Army) y Expansion of the winter emergency shelter program with funding for an additional 43 beds (Salvation Army, Ruth & Naomi’s, Cyrus Centre) y An increase in supportive recovery beds (Elizabeth Fry and Chilliwack Community Services/Seabird Island) y Development of a landlord engagement strategy and housing hub proposal (Pacific Community Resources Society and Chilliwack Healthier Community) Chilliwack Proper & Fairfield Island Neighbourhood Plan The City embarked on a neighbourhood planning process for areas on the periphery of the downtown and Fairfield Island. This area is expected to accommodate approximately 1,500 new homes in the form of small lot infill, duplexes, secondary suites, coach houses, and townhouses. The neighbourhood planning process involved community meetings, a design charrette workshop and online surveys to inform and engage residents. Secondary Suites Study The City initiated a secondary suites study to determine options for streamlining and supporting secondary suite development to address affordable housing needs in Chilliwack. The study includes a review of existing policies and regulations, research on comparable communities and engagement with City residents. Farm Home Plate Review Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, the Farm Home Plate Review concluded in June 2017 with amendments to the City’s Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan to regulate the siting and area occupied by residential uses on farmland. The amendments support Chilliwack’s Agricultural Area Plan objectives for minimizing the impact of non- farm buildings on agricultural land and protecting agricultural land for agricultural purposes. Development Department staff saw record numbers of construction value and inspection requests in 2017. The $309 million in construction value significantly exceeds any past year on record. 15,070 building inspections in 2017 - a 20% increase over the previous highest volume in 2006 40% increase in single family home construction over 2016 Bylaw Enforcement The Bylaw Department began a partnership with RCMP officers and security guards to conduct proactive foot patrols of the downtown core, hotspot areas and City parks several times per day. This enforcement and visibility initiative was implemented to reduce criminal activity and prevent bylaw infractions. During these patrols, Bylaw Enforcement Officers enforce the regulations contained within various bylaws, including the regulations relating to camping in City parks, facilities and other public land. In May, the Bylaw Enforcement Department welcomed back the seasonal Bike Patrol unit, which consisted of two uniformed Bylaw Enforcement Officers who patrolled the City on foot and bicycle over the spring and summer months. The officers patrolled neighbourhoods, parks, trails and attended community events to ensure compliance with bylaws. They also assisted members of the public with bylaw-related issues and concerns.