Chilliwack realtor enters council race, garners endorsement from incumbent councillor

CHILLIWACK – A local realtor who has called Chilliwack home for the past quarter century will seek a seat on Chilliwack City Council in the municipal election this fall.

Daryl Moniz, past president of the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board, says he’s running for council because he cares about where the community is heading.

“Chilliwack has been my home for 25 years. It’s where my family and I have built our life, where I’ve grown my career, volunteered, served on local boards and formed friendships that mean a great deal to me,” said Moniz. “As our city continues to grow, I believe we need thoughtful leadership, responsible decision-making and practical solutions that protect what makes Chilliwack such a great place to call home.

​He says his campaign will seek first to hear what constituents have to say.

“This campaign is about listening, learning and working together. I invite you to explore the website, learn more about me and my priorities, and most importantly, share what matters to you,” said Moniz. “I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully meeting you along the way.​”

As for specifics, Moniz says he wants to maintain the look and feel of Chilliwack.

“Chilliwack has grown a great deal in the time I have lived here, and yet it still feels like a small town. That is worth protecting,” he said. “Much of what I hear from people comes back to the same thing. They want this to still feel like Chilliwack as it grows. To me that means holding the line around our farmland, keeping our neighbourhoods intact, and making sure new development fits the place it goes into. I believe our decisions should be guided by what makes this such a good place to call home.”

When it comes to green spaces and Chilliwack’s recreational venues, he’s a firm believer they deserve solid investment and municipal funding.

“Our parks, trails and recreation facilities are among the things I appreciate most about living here. My family has enjoyed them for many years, as have so many others,” Moniz said. “The Vedder River trail, the rec centres, the ball fields and the river itself are the places people picture when they talk about why they love Chilliwack. They exist because earlier councils and a great many volunteers believed they were worth having. Caring for these spaces, keeping them well maintained and protecting access to them is, I believe, a responsibility worth taking seriously.”

Concerning fiscal spending levels, Moniz says he prefers the current approach of saving up front and spending later so long as debt levels don’t increase.

“Chilliwack has long paid for what it builds without taking on debt, and our taxes remain among the lowest in the Lower Mainland. That is the result of careful decisions made over many years, by councils that chose to save for what they wanted rather than borrow for it,” he said. “I believe protecting that record should remain a priority. I would also like us to be clearer with residents about where their money goes. The city already asks people what they think of the budget each year, and it is worth showing them what those answers changed.”

Incumbent Councillor Harv Westeringh, a fellow realtor, released a statement backing Moniz’s candidacy. “I have known Daryl for many years and have always valued his thoughtful, practical approach to the issues facing our community. We share a strong belief in responsible growth, protecting Chilliwack’s agricultural land and maintaining the sound financial management that has served our city so well. Daryl understands Chilliwack, cares deeply about its future and is not afraid to ask thoughtful questions before making decisions. I encouraged him to run for City Council because I believe he would bring sound judgment, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving our community. Daryl would be a strong addition to Chilliwack City Council, and I am proud to support him.”

Moniz’s website is https://www.electdarylmoniz.ca/.