Chilliwack receives $7 million grant for water and sewer improvements

CHILLIWACK — A City of Chilliwack plan to upgrade drinking water and sanitary sewer infrastructure has received $7 million in federal funding through the federal Build Communities Strong Fund.

Last summer city council instructed staff to apply for the funding to support drinking water infrastructure and sanitary sewer infrastructure upgrades on the eastern side of Chilliwack.

According to an August 2025 City of Chilliwack council report, the improvement project will result in increased water system capacity, while improving fire flows and supporting future housing development in accordance with provincial housing legislation.

In its application, the city requested $7 million. The City committed to providing an additional $700,000 toward the project and covering any cost overruns. The city also stated that additional contributions and potential cost overruns would be funded through the Water and Sewer Fund, with funding allocated in the 2025 Capital Management Plan.

The federal and provincial governments, along with the Union of B.C. Municipalities announced today (July 30, 2026) that more than $152 million in funding will support 54 community infrastructure and capacity-building projects. The Chilliwack project was among those approved through the UBCM Strategic Priorities funding stream.