Folks will be able to get a personal look inside some of Chilliwack's oldest houses later this fall, all while raising money to help preserve historic buildings throughout the city.
The Heritage Chilliwack Society is bringing back its Heritage Discovery Day and Home Tour on Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's the first time the event will be taking place after a six-year hiatus.
The self-guided tour will be a chance to see five heritage houses in Chilliwack, plus three other sites.
Minke and Gerald Timmerman, who bought their heritage house on Hazel Street in 2016, are excited to show people their home.
It's an old farm house that was built on a 12-acre property back in 1914, and the land was later subdivided. The house is not connected to any names in Chilliwack, so they simply call it the Hazel House.
It was granted its heritage designation back in September 2021.
Minke said her house is "quite something" and added it's amazing to be living inside a 110-year-old house.
"We are still enjoying it ourselves, every time," she said.
The house was in good shape when they bought it, but it was previously hidden by high hedges, which were removed. The Timmermans did a few renovations inside, but kept the majority of the home's original design and architecture.
Gerald did all the gardening and yard work and now the home is ready for the public to see on Oct. 5. It's one of five private homes on the tour.
"From a 1912 log house with sweeping views of the valley to a stunning 1939 Tudor revival in Chilliwack proper, take a peek inside a selection of five unique heritage properties and learn about their history and architecture," the event description reads on the Heritage Chilliwack Society site.
As an added bonus, each house will feature a period-appropriate vintage automobile parked on the property.
Home owners will be on site at each location showing visitors both the inside and outside of the homes. People can visit the locations in any order.
In addition to the five heritage houses, the other three sites on the tour are the Atchelitz Threshermen's Association, the Chilliwack Archives at Evergreen Hall, and the Chilliwack Military Museum. There will be three tours of the archives, plus two walking tours of downtown Chilliwack with ticket purchases.
Money from the event goes towards the heritage home designation fund to help homeowners get heritage status for their house. It also goes towards funding field trips for schoolchildren to visit the Chilliwack Museum.
People on the tour are asked to wear slip-on shoes. The homes are not wheelchair accessible, and children under the age of six are not allowed. However, one child between the age of seven and 18 will be admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult.
Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased in advance at Cornerstone Custom Picture Framing and Gallery (9369 Mill St.) or the Chilliwack Museum (45820 Spadina Ave.) – cash or e-transfer only. Tickets are also available online at eventbrite.com/e/heritage-discovery-day-home-tour-tickets-991628697127, or on the day of the tour at the Royal Hotel (45886 Wellington Ave.). There is a limited number of tickets available.
People must check in at the Royal Hotel starting at 10:30 a.m. on day of event (Saturday, Oct. 5) where there will be maps, ticket booklets and wristbands to get access to the locations. The properties will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more info on the Heritage Discovery Day and Home Tour, go to heritagechilliwack.org.
