FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chilliwack, BC: For over a decade, residents, business owners and City committees have been working together to define the vision for Chilliwack’s downtown. Following 2011 recommendations from the City’s Downtown Core Task Force, the City of Chilliwack and the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) assembled properties in the site bounded by Young Road, Yale Road, Princess Avenue and Empress Lane. Now, after many years of work, Chilliwack City Council has awarded the contract for the redevelopment of the 3.75 acre downtown site to Algra Bros. Developments Ltd.

The new and innovative redevelopment proposed by Algra Bros. aims to transform the downtown into a healthy, sustainable and thriving community and will set a benchmark for all subsequent development downtown. The redevelopment site will see a combination of retail, commercial, residential and mixed-used developments as part of the multi-year, multi-phase project that will provide a balance of jobs, amenities and housing to create a diverse and inclusive downtown core.

The vision for the future of downtown Chilliwack has been carefully crafted and scrutinized through extensive community engagement and documented in a variety of plans. The 2010 Chilliwack Downtown Land Use and Development Plan, the 2011 Downtown Core Task Force Final Report, and the 2040 Official Community Plan all have the same focus for downtown Chilliwack: a main street building design with development framing the street to support a vibrant and safe core with active retail, entertainment and civic functions.

“It is with great excitement that we take this important next step towards revitalizing the heart of our community,” said Mayor Gaetz. “We are confident that Algra Bros. will help us create an iconic, contemporary neighbourhood that recaptures the past while creating a bold, new vision for the future.”

“CEPCO is pleased to welcome the Algra Bros. as new partners in the ongoing redevelopment of our downtown core,” said Brian Coombes, CEPCO President.  “Their innovative vision for downtown and commitment to quality is a welcome addition in such an important part of our community.”

Algra Bros. Developments Ltd. is owned by Peter, Dave and Philip Algra. Known throughout Chilliwack for construction and developments like Garrison Crossing, Algra Bros. have recently been focused on multiple developments in Historic Downtown Abbotsford.  By incorporating the construction of new buildings with the renovation of existing historic buildings, Algra Bros. have been instrumental in the rejuvenation of Abbotsford’s historic downtown.

Now, through forward-thinking design, Algra Bros. aim to create a sustainable, walkable and vibrant city centre in Chilliwack with a mix of businesses, cafés, shops and residences that offer an urban experience while remembering the area’s historical significance.

“We see such tremendous opportunity for the community in Downtown Chilliwack,” said Dave Algra. “We’re very excited and thankful to be a part of the rejuvenation of Chilliwack’s Downtown.”

The City of Chilliwack has been investing in the downtown core for over two decades. New facilities like the Cultural Centre, the Landing Leisure Centre and the Prospera Centre helped establish the area as a hub for activity. Streetscaping, utility upgrades, park development and greening have also been strategically implemented.

The City of Chilliwack and CEPCO are committed to revitalizing downtown Chilliwack and are excited about the future of the area thanks, in part, to the multi-phase development by the Algra Bros.

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Media Contacts:

Jamie Leggatt
Communications Manager
City of Chilliwack
604.793.2716
[email protected]
chilliwack.com/downtown

Brian Coombes
President
Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation
604.792.7839
[email protected]