How do you improve downtown Chilliwack?
Businesses and residents are looking for a catalyst to inject some much needed life into the area
People who live and work in downtown Chilliwack say their neighbourhood needs a spark so it can shake its seedy image and reach its full potential.
The historic blocks that make up the downtown core are filled with unique shops but some say the crowds are kept away by overt drug use and prostitution.
Violent crime has also plagued the area recently, including a deadly stabbing in a grocery store parking lot last week.
"We're kind of all waiting to see what the revitalization plan is and once that gets going, you'll definitely see more tourists," said Shannon Werry, co-creator of the Facebook group Change for Chilliwack.
Revitalization
In 2011, the Downtown Task Force made 20 recommendations to inject some life into the district.
The Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association puts on events to bring in crowds but some businesses say many still avoid the area.
"It's too bad," said Nel Devisser who manages the Bibles for Missions Thrift Store.
"People don't want to come here anymore because there are too many scary things going on. I love Wellington, it's a great shopping street, but people are avoiding the downtown."
We need help
Like many rapidly growing communities south of the Fraser, Chilliwack is facing the challenge of keeping up with the population.
According to the last Census, the city's population rose by 12.6 percent between 2006 and 2011.
"As far as harm reduction goes, or in helping people with addictions, I need people to know that there are 41 groups in our community that work together on social issues," said Mayor Sharon Gaetz.
"We know that this is all connected with all of these social issues like housing, drug addiction, mental health and crime in our community. We have a small community and a community that feels like community and we really are requesting help from both levels of government."