City of Chilliwack

Cultus Lake, British Columbia

The Township of Chilliwack was incorporated in 1873, and is the 3rd oldest municipality in British Columbia. Its approximately area is 17,322 hectares (42,800 acres) which incorporates 939 farms. Farming is essential for this citys identity. This town is just truly gorgeous, surrounded by mountains and recreational area, lakes, and amazing parks, it is definitely a great place to explore.

The majority of the population came in 1857 when gold was discovered in this town. Over 40,000 gold miners came through the local area by 1859. Steamboats were the main form of transportation for carrying goods as well as passengers between the local waters edge and New Westminster along the Fraser River. Since the shoreline was pretty packed commercial and residential areas began setting up in town at what’s called Five Corners. Subdivisions starting going up in 1881, and were then named Centreville which was replaced with Chilliwack in 1887. In 1908 the township was incorporated as a separate municipality, The City of Chilliwack, and has an approximate population of 84,000.

The city name was originally spelled Chilliwhack which means “quieter water at the head” or travel by way of the back water. Now it is known for its nickname “The Wack”.

Multiple neighborhoods combine to make Chilliwack, plus many communities as well. Some include; The Northside (aka Chilliwack Proper), Cheam, Chilliwack Mountain, Downtown, East Side, Fairfield Island, Rosedale, Popkum, and Southside. There are many communities as well, some are Atchelitz, Cultas Lake Park, Greendale, Ryder Lake, Sardis, Promotory, Promotory Heights, Vedder Crossing, Chilliwack Valley, Columbia Valley, and Yarrow.

Map Of The Region