Annual Report 2021 25 24 City of Chilliwack STRATEGIC GOAL #4 CONTINUED: STRONG NEIGHBOURHOODS Support accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and truth and reconciliation. Fostering community spirit, attracting community events and supporting cultural groups, while providing high quality parks and recreational opportunities. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 COMMUNITY CULTURE Foster community spirit by attracting community events and supporting cultural groups, community organizations and public art initiatives Heritage Park, Chilliwack Coliseum and the Chilliwack Cultural Centre held shows and events that showcased local artists and performers virtually. Also hosted smaller shows in accordance with COVID-19 Public Health Orders. The Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee continued to support public art initiatives. Recognized sport achievement and legacy through Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame. Assisted in the coordination of the virtual Canada Day event. Community Development Initiatives policy funded a number of community non-profit service organizations and initiatives. INCLUSIVENESS Identify and support projects and programs that nurture accessibility, inclusion and diversity Approved the Mayor’s Task Force on Inclusiveness, Diversity and Accessibility (MTFIDA) Action Plan. The Accessibility Advisory Panel met with department heads to provide feedback, including input on the development of the new Active Transportation Plan and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. Supported Pink Shirt Day. Supported Chilliwack Healthier Community (CHC). Reviewed and updated the City’s website and social media to make content more available and accessible. Provided funding for the Chilliwack Pride event. Updated Neighbourhood Grant documents to increase accessibility and inclusiveness. Cheam Leisure Centre underwent major upgrades to improve accessibility, achieving Gold with the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. STRATEGIC GOAL #5: VIBRANT ECONOMY Contract with CEPCO for economic development. Encourage development in the downtown and foster an environment that is positive to business creation. HOWWE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2021 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Attract and maintain business growth ✓ Worked with CEPCO to set mutual priorities for economic development. ✓ Continued to provide low business taxes and fees compared to other Lower Mainland communities to attract and retain business within the city. ✓ Offered Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw to promote business expansion and reinvestment within the community. ✓ Worked with the Chilliwack Economic Recovery/Resource Network (CERN) to develop and facilitate strategies to assist and support local businesses in economic recovery from COVID-19. ✓ Work began on a City Hall expansion to better serve the public. ✓ Participating member of the Fraser Valley Intermunicipal Business Licence program. Licence sales have nearly quadrupled since the program began in 2013. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION Encourage redevelopment in the downtown area ✓ Revitalization tax exemptions available to promote business reinvestment in the downtown core. ✓ Multi-phase downtown redevelopment at Five Corners is underway with new businesses opened in 2021. ✓ Installed 82 new LED streetlights in the downtown area. ✓ Completed storm sewer upgrades on Princess Avenue and Young Road to support downtown redevelopment. ✓ Approved public art to continue to enhance the downtown area. PLANNING Ensure plans are in place to facilitate regional growth predictions ✓ Chilliwack’s Official Community Plan and Comprehensive Municipal Plan continue to accommodate regional growth. ✓ Public engagement for the Yarrow and South Vedder Neighbourhood Plans was initiated. ✓ Development of a new land use and growth projections model was initiated.
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