2023 Annual Report I CITY OF CHILLIWACK CITY OF CHILLIWACK I 2023 Annual Report 28 29 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. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2023 TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION Build relationships of mutual respect and understanding with local First Nations. Relationship building continues at the Council level. Ongoing support for Chilliwack Healthier Community and the Opening Doors Task Team. Indigenous led training supported through Reaching Home. Supported Experience Indigenous Culture and Knowledge Day through Chilliwack Healthier Community. Staff utilized the Indigenous author library to further their education and understanding. Honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Staff and Council have continued their education with courses including Historical Impacts Training through Stó:lō Nation, as well as attending Community to Community forums. Partnered with Skowkale First Nation to install new speed reader boards on Chilliwack River Road, with funding support from Fraser Health. Completed construction on a new multi-use pathway, including lighting and drainage, on Chilliwack River Road from Promontory Road to Bailey Road, in partnership with Tzeachten First Nation. Continued working with S.A.Y. Lands on the design of a new multi-use pathway, featuring lighting and drainage, along Knight Road from Chilliwack River Road to the Valley Rail Trail. Signed Memorandum of Understanding with Sqwá First Nation and Shxwhá:y Village to confirm alignment for a new dike to expand the flood protection area for all three communities. Signed an agreement together with the province, Semá:th, Matsqui and Leq’á:mel First Nations, and City of Abbotsford to make Sumas Prairie more resilient to flooding. STRATEGIC GOAL #5: VIBRANT ECONOMY Contract with CEPCO for economic development and encouragement of development in the downtown area. Work to create an environment that is positive to business creation. HOW WE WILL GET THERE WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2023 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Attract and maintain business. Worked with CEPCO to set mutual priorities for economic development. Continued to provide low business property taxes and fees compared to other Lower Mainland communities to attract and retain business within the city. Participating member of the Inter-Municipal Transportation Network Business Licence program for ride hailing services. Uber began service to the city with additional ride hailing services anticipated in the future. Promoted Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw to attract business expansion and reinvestment within the community. Worked with the Chilliwack Economic Resource Network to develop and facilitate strategies to assist and support local businesses. 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. Created an R1-C (Urban Infill) Rezoning Process policy to guide development of infill areas through rezoning and future subdivisions. Began implementation of the Heritage Strategic Action Plan with a review of the 1991 Heritage Inventory. Applied for the Housing Accelerator Fund: a competitive grant program from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation intended to help speed up housing development and increase housing supply.
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