Council approved the development permit this week, along with the "form and character" details for the new 64-unit affordable housing project coming to Spadina Avenue.
Demolition of the former church building continued Wednesday and will go into next week as plans for the new building are solidified by project partners Cheam View United and Mamele’awt Qweesome/To’o Housing Society.
The stained glass panels were removed and relocated for safekeeping until they can be transformed into something new.
The development permit and building permit were the next steps in the redevelopment of the downtown site, with the rezoning and variances applications approved in December 2023.
Cheam View United team partnered with Mamele’awt Qweesome/To’o in 2022 will the plan to build a six-storey building on the site of the former United church, to provide affordable housing for seniors and low-income residents.
Coun. Chris Kloot, who is chair of the design review advisory committee, said during the Tuesday afternoon council discussion about the permits that the Spadina project was unique with "three frontages in the heart of the city."
He noted the project marked a "significant change" from the history of the church, noting he felt a "tinge of regret" about the church being removed.
"But the building will be attractive and will complement the area," Kloot added.
Coun. Bud Mercer said the project came through a "bit of a rough ride" in terms of refining details, but as the "gateway to the downtown" the appearance of the new building had to be "better than good."
Changes were made around parking requirements but the number of parking stalls remains at 47, and some design elements were shifted.
The site became home to the Chilliwack Methodist Church in 1908. The Methodist Church entered into a union with the United Church of Canada in 1925, and in 1953, to accommodate a growing congregation, construction began on a new and bigger church.The Chilliwack United Church opened in 1954. More than 65 years later, in 2020, Cheam View United Church came into being when Chilliwack United amalgamated with Mt. Shannon United and Rosedale United churches.
The Ministry of Environment issued a release notice on July 5, authorizing city officials to proceed with considering and issuing the development permit and associated building permit.
