Public Notice

 

Ashwell Road Development Project – Public Comments Invited

 

March 16, 2026 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) must determine whether the proposed Ashwell Road Development Project, located on Kwaw-Kwaw-Apilt First Nations lands in Chilliwack, BC is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

To help inform this determination, DFO is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by April 16, 2026 to:

 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program

200-401 Burrard St

Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4

ReferralsPacific@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

Westbow Construction Group (Westbow) is proposing to develop the southern portion of the Kwaw-Kwaw-Apilt First Nation lands, in Chilliwack, BC into a residential community. The proposal includes constructing townhouses, apartments, roads, a school, and associated infrastructure. It also involves infilling of sections of Waterlily Slough, clearing riparian habitat, constructing a gravel amenity path, installing stormwater outfalls, and installing an arch culvert bridge over Waterlily Diversion Slough.

 

In total, approximately 2,600 m² of instream habitat and 12,000 m² of riparian habitat will be impacted. Habitat offsetting is included in the proposal to counterbalance these impacts. The proposed offsetting focuses on enhancements to on-site aquatic and riparian areas. A wetted backwater feature off of Chilliwack Creek will be constructed within the wetland areas of the Waterlily Slough Diversion Channel. Additionally, the lower section of Waterlily Slough will be enhanced through the construction of multiple pool habitat features and the removal of fish barriers and anthropogenic debris.