Party in the Park
June 24, 2010 by Anita
Filed under Party In The Park, Things to Do
Set in the Central Community Park in downtown Chilliwack, fun and entertainment can be had by all the family, each Friday evening for eight glorious weeks in July and August. It’s a great place to sit back and relax with friends and family, enjoy the weather and the live local bands that grace the stage at this fabulous community event.
Each Party in the Park starts off with the Night Market which is a true testament to locally grown and produced goods. There’s a variety of food vendors to tempt your pallet as well. There are a variety of activities geared to the youngsters, from face-painting to bouncy castles and the organizers make an effort to cater to a variety of tastes and ages when it comes to the live music offered as well.
Party in the Park is held at the Central Community Park on the corner of Victoria and Young. There are public washrooms on site and it’s easily accessible for those in wheelchairs. Dogs are allowed; just keep them on a leash.
For info on this event, including opportunities to participate in the market or as a volunteer, visit their website here.
Chilliwack Flight Fest
June 24, 2010 by Editor
Filed under Chilliwack Flight Fest, Things to Do
This year’s Chilliwack Flight Fest is presented by the RE/MAX Realtors of the Lower Mainland. Check HERE for all the information on this years event.
An action packed weekend was planned for aviation enthusiasts young and old to celebrate the Annual Flight Fest held at Chilliwack Municipal Airport. The celebrations had begun with a Hangar Dance and Twilight Show on the Saturday evening followed by a packed day of events on the Sunday including an early morning Pancake Breakfast and the eagerly anticipated Air show in the afternoon. This was when we arrived, in the blistering heat not really knowing what to expect. We soon realised that we most definitely had not planned or researched well enough for the day. It was by far, one of the hottest days of the summer and we were ill prepared for the scorching heat. We also arrived with puppy in tow only to realise that dogs were not permitted onsite. Therefore we took it in turns to ‘puppy sit’ outside the main gate.
There were a large number of magnificent aircraft on display, lovingly cared for and maintained by their dedicated custodians. The male members of the family took great delight exploring the cockpit of an ‘air sea rescue’ helicopter, marvelling at the vast complexity of the instrument panel and grilling the on hand crew member for tales of intrepid rescues. For those patrons wishing to get a more ‘hands on’ experience a flight simulator was on site to satisfy their need for speed. The Air show started with all eyes directed to the four parachutes descending from the sky, where we were treated to the breathtaking sight of smoke trails and patriotic flags billowing from the legs of the daring parachutists. Aircraft of different varieties then proceeded to wow the crowd with jaw dropping displays of amazing skill and bravery. Such a delight to see so many aircraft that are only normally seen in old films and history books, take flight and dazzle the crowd.
For an admission free event Chilliwack Annual Flightfest was truly worth a visit, especially for those with an interest in aviation. Chilliwack Municipal Airport is easy to find simply head out of the city on Young Road and turn left into Airport Road. Parking is available on site and also along Airport Road. For those not wishing to drive buses were provided from the UCFV Campus. So for a great day out pack a picnic, bring the folding chairs, slap on the sunscreen, leave the dogs at home and head for the airport.
Julie and Family attended the 2009 Flightfest. Watch for the 19th Annual edition coming in August 2010!
Harrison Hot Springs
June 24, 2010 by Editor
Filed under About Town, Harrison Hot Springs, Places to See
Oh Harrison how I love it so, rain or shine I am drawn to its staggering beauty. The 60km lake that stretches from Harrison to the Lillooet River is fed by ice and snow melt and is over 800 feet deep in places. I think my heart was lost to Harrison the very first time we visited, back in May of 2008. We were still only visitors then but were blown away by the peace and serenity of the lake, the majestic beauty of the mountains and the funky little town itself. At that time there was a cordoned off section that housed the amazing World Championship Sand Sculptures. Having never seen much more than my children’s ‘sand sculptures’ before, the sight of these amazing creations was one not to be missed. Dragons, princesses, fairytales scenes and abstract designs all from deep within the sculptor’s talented minds, adorned the shoreline.
Those first memories of Harrison stayed with us, so much so it was the first place we visited once we landed in Canada. The wind was fierce coming off the lake that January day but the sky was clear and the sun shone. My eyes are always drawn to the magnificent mountain backdrop and I’m always enthralled by the subtle changes each month or season brings. The children didn’t seem too worried about the cold wind as they explored the lakes shoreline. Whereas hubby and I snuggled against the wind and just marvelled at the scenery, wishing we had brought a flask of hot tea with us!
I have now lost count of the times we have returned to Harrison, always, always being drawn back to the beautiful scenery. It was where we took puppy for his first ever day out and learned the hard way that puppies and sand are not always a great combination. We’ve had ‘date nights’ there where we watched the sun set behind the mountains after having a gorgeous sushi dinner nearby. We loved watching the Dragon Boat Festival with all of us vowing to join a team and be back next year! Harrison was also where we decided we wanted to end our first ever Canada Day and we were not disappointed. To see the fireworks lighting up the skyline with the by now, shadowy mysterious mountains as a backdrop was well worth the rush over (we’d already been to Chilliwack Heritage Park and Cultus Lake that day!!!).
I also couldn’t wait to share Harrison with my father on his first trip to the Fraser Valley. He loved it so much he arranged for us to take a boat trip on the lake…. and I thought it was beautiful from the shoreline! Being out on the lake itself was even more breathtaking. When we hired the boat we’d been told about Rainbow Falls. A vision to behold from the lake but to see it in its full glory you need to take the short walk from the boat launch. Unfortunately for us we were not the only ones looking to experience the falls beauty that day as there was no room on the boat launch for us. But we did get plenty of opportunity to explore the lake, marvel at its sheer size and majesty and I’m ashamed to say we all became a little envious of anyone lucky enough to live on the lakeshore.
As you can tell Harrison has a very special place in our hearts and we will still return time and again as there is still so much we have yet to do. We still want to try kayaking and windsurfing, the male members of the family talk about parasailing though I’m not so sure and we haven’t even had a soak in the Hot Springs yet. All this beauty and fun just a stone’s throw away from home, something for everyone, young and the not so young. Harrison is easy to find, take the Trans Canada Highway #1 on the south side of the Fraser River and take the Agassiz – Harrison turn-off just past Chilliwack or take The Lougheed Highway – Highway #7 on the north side of the Fraser River and just past the Hemlock Valley turn off watch the signs for Harrison Hot Springs.
Wiltshire / Worthington
April 14, 2009 by Anita
Filed under Sardis Southside, Wiltshire/Worthington
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- Convenient to Sardis shopping
- Family and senior friendly subdivisions
- Edenbank Seniors Complex
Located south of Spruce Drive on the west side of Vedder Road, and with streets branching from the Wiltshire corridor, this residential area is home to many empty nesters and active retirees.
Attracting this population is the predominance of larger detached rancher style homes ideal for those wanting one-level living combined with yards large enough for gardening and outdoor enjoyment. A quiet neighbourhood of quality homes it is also attractive to families wanting the convenience of easy access to schools and the Sardis shopping areas.
Some larger executive homes on over-sized lots are located along Worthington and Newby Dr. as well as a mix of older and newer custom executive homes on Pioneer, Gleneden and Eden Drives.
This area is also home to Edenbank, Chilliwack’s most unique and beautiful seniors community with its expansive gardens, walking paths, executive clubhouse and varied mix of apartments, townhouses and detached homes within the community.
Schools
Evans Elementary School - kindergarten to grade six
Tyson Elementary School – kindergarten to grade six
Vedder Middle School - grades 7,8,9
Sardis Secondary School – grades 10,11,12
Spruce Grove/Wells Landing
April 14, 2009 by Anita
Filed under Sardis Southside, Spruce Grove/Wells Landing
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- Convenient to Sardis shopping
- Family friendly subdivisions
- Parks and greenspace
Still convenient to the Sardis shopping corridor yet with a more residential setting, the Spruce Grove/Wells Landing area consists of a number of smaller neighbourhoods attractive to families and seniors alike.
From the larger executive homes backing Wells Creek, to the affordable family neighbourhood surrounding Circle Drive Park, the adult community of Wellsbrooke, and the newer infill townhome complexes on Sunshine Drive and Wells Road, this area offers something for everyone.
Encompassing the area west of Vedder Rd and north of Spruce Drive, residents of these neighbourhoods enjoy quick access to both urban amenities and open greenspace. Evans road forms the western border to this area and when it is completed in the summer of 2009, the Evans Rd overpass and freeway interchange will make commuting a breeze from this area and will also provide residents quick access to the downtown amenities such as the Prospera Centre, Leisure Centre and Townsend Park.
Schools
Evans Elementary School - kindergarten to grade six
Vedder Middle School - grades 7,8,9
Sardis Secondary School – grades 10,11,12
Downtown East
April 14, 2009 by Anita
Filed under Chilliwack Northside, Downtown East
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- Affordable older homes
- Mix of multifamily
- Easy access to services
With its mix of older homes on larger city lots, newer homes on “infill” lots and both older and newer multifamily dwellings, this area of town provides a wide range of housing options in a variety of price ranges.
Ease of access to the highway via First Avenue and the Prest Rd. interchange along with easy of access to in-town shopping, recreation and medical services make this a convenient and affordable neighbourhood choice for many families.
This area is bordered by Yale Rd to the North, Hazel St to the west , with agricultrual land to the east with the CN rail line forming its southern border.
Schools
Little Mountain Elementary School - kindergarten to grade six
F.G. Leary Fine Arts Elementary -kindergarten to grade six
Chilliwack Middle School – grades 7,8,9
Chilliwack Secondary School - grades 10,11,12
Southlands
April 14, 2009 by Anita
Filed under Chilliwack Northside, Southlands
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- Affordable detached homes
- New multifamily developments
- Chilliwack Airport
With Chillliwack’s City Hall at its centre, the Southlands area of Chilliwack is primarily a residential area flanked by commercial/retail districts along Young Rd to the west and adjacent to Chilliwack’s Regional Airport on Airport Road to the south. With homes built mostly in the 50′s and 60′s and with further development in the 80′s, these established neighbourhoods offer a variety of housing styles and prices.
Significant development has occurred in the area since 2000 and today a variety of newer townhome options are available to families, particularly along Chilliwack Central, Walters, Airport Road and Broadway.
This area is also home to several popular gated seniors’ and adult oriented complexes including Willowbrooke, Beacon Downes, Hazelwood and Country Grove.
Schools
Robertson Elementary School - kindergarten to grade six
F.G. Leary Fine Arts Elementary -kindergarten to grade six
AD Rundle Middle School – grades 7,8,9
Chilliwack Middle School – grades 7,8,9
Chilliwack Secondary School - grades 10,11,12
Sardis West
April 13, 2009 by Anita
Filed under Sardis Southside, Sardis West
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- Quiet residential living
- Established neighbourhood
- Easy Commuter access
This was one of the original residential developments in the Sardis area with the first homes, mostly split entry style, being built in the eary 70′s in two pockets around Sardis Senior and Watson Elementary. This large residential area continued to develop into the mid to late 1980′s with a variety of home styles including some lovely classic split level and west coast contemporary homes. Encompassing the area west of the Vedder Road corridor, from Stevenson Road on the north to Watson Rd on the south, this established neighbourhood is an excellent choice for families seeking quiet residential living, close proximity to schools and good-sized family friendly homes and lots. Many of the houses have been updated over the years but there has been very little ‘infill” or redevelopment making this a very attractive and reasonably affordable part of the community. Evans Rd forms the western boundary and with the completion in 2009 of the new Evans rd access and fly-over, residents here will enjoy quick access to the freeway and a direct route to the north side of town making it perfect for families needing to commute or wanting to enjoy the amanities such as the Leisure Centre and Propsera Centre on the north side.
Schools
- Tyson Elementary School - kindergarten to grade six
- Watson Elementary – kindergarten to grade six
- Vedder Middle School – grades 7, 8, 9
- Mount Slesse Middle School - grades 7,8,9
- Sardis Secondary – grades 10,11,12
Peach Road
April 13, 2009 by Anita
Filed under Peach Road, Sardis Southside
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- Walk to Rotary trail
- Single family small lot subdivisions
- Bareland Strata
Located south of Keith Wilson Rd between Unworth Rd to the west and with the Education Park as its eastern boundary, this area was built beginning in the mid 1990′s with additonal growth in the early 2000′s.
With the exception of those on Riverwood, the detached homes here are all part of “small lot” bareland strata developments. The earlier homes, those closest to the Vedder River and Rotary Trail, are primarily mid-priced basement entry homes offering very affordable choices in a close-knit family oriented neighbourhood.
A newer bareland strata development River Grove, was developed in 2003 and consists of about 30 larger, more upscale two-storey homes with full basements, still on smaller lots but ideal for the busy family with not too much time for yard work. A mix of two storey, basement entry and rancher homes was built about the same time on Riverwood.
Built in 2005, a large complex of family style 3 level townhomes, The Gables at Rivers Bend, offers a spacious, affordable option for families wanting to live in this desireable area. The Gables is accessed by either Peach Rd or Carter Rd to the east . At the south end of Carter Rd sits River Pines, a small grouping of adult oriented detached ranchers.
With easy access to the highway for commuters via the Keith Wilson/ No.3 Rd route, and just a quick walk to the river and walking trails combined with the excellent nearby schools, this is a great lifestyle choice for families.
Schools
Unsworth Elementary School - kindergarten to grade six
Mount Slesse Middle School - grades 7,8,9
Sardis Secondary School – grades 10,11,12
Downtown Westside
April 13, 2009 by Anita
Filed under Chilliwack Northside, Downtown Westside
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- Established residential area
- Primarily single family, larger lots
- Hospital, Leisure and Recreation facilities
Residents of the Downtown Westside describe their neighbourhood as ” convenient to absolutely everything”. Still just a short drive or for some even a relatively short walk to the downtown shopping areas, this choice residential area was developed primarily in the 60′s and 70′s.
Home choices include some real classic full basement rancher, bi-level and custom built split level homes, mostly on larger lots and many with mature trees and landscaping.
At its centre is Chilliwack’s main amenities complex and residents here enjoy easy walking access to the Prospera Centre, The Landing Leisure Centre, Townsend Park, Exhibition Stadium and the soon to be completed new Arts and Cultural Centre.
On the eastern side is the Chilliwack Hospital and adjacent to it a newly developed area offering upscale condos and townhomes. To the west, Rainbow Estates, a popular modular home park for senior residents and two older but nicely updated townhouse complexes offering affordable family housing options.
Commutors travelling west from this neighbourhood can avoid in town traffic by taking Wolfe Rd and Chilliack Mtn Rd to the Lickman Rd interchange.
Schools
Bernard Elementary School – grades kindergarten to grade six
McCammon Traditional Elementary – kindergarten to grade six
A.D. Rundle Middle School- grades 7,8,9
Chilliwack Middle School – grade 7, 8, 9
Chilliwack Secondary – grade 10, 11 12
