Canadian Growth City No. 2: Chilliwack Charms Newcomers

Mar 3, 2016

Addition of Two U-Haul Dealers Expanded Company’s Footprint in 2015

Chilliwack Clock Tower and Five Corners. Credit: City of Chilliwack

Chilliwack Clock Tower and Five Corners. Credit: City of Chilliwack

An abundance of outdoor living and recreational opportunities in Chilliwack have people flocking to the Fraser Valley, and last year the arrivals clearly outweighed the departures among do-it-yourself movers.

“It’s no surprise that people from across B.C. and Canada are discovering what a great community Chilliwack is to live, work and play,” Mayor Sharon Gaetz said. “With housing prices on the rise in the Lower Mainland, more people are starting to look outside the big city and are finding a hidden gem in Chilliwack.”

This city ranks No. 2 among the U-Haul Top 10 Canadian Growth Cities for 2015. Growth rankings are determined by the net gain of incoming one-way U-Haul truck rentals versus outgoing rentals for the past calendar year.

Quote about Chilliwack Growth

For Tips on moving to this city, click here!  Plan Ahead: Reserve a Truck in Advance for Your Summer Move

U-Haul locations in here saw 55.7 percent of truck rental customers coming into the city as opposed leaving. Chilliwack welcomed 26 percent more U-Haul arrivals year-over-year, while its departures were up 5 percent over the same period. The overall bump in U-Haul traffic made this urbanized sanctuary an eventful place for do-it-yourself movers.

While U-Haul migration trends don’t correlate directly to population or economic growth, the growth cities data is a strong gauge of how well cities are attracting and keeping residents.

“Our city boasts excellent public and independent school systems and is home to the University of the Fraser Valley, a fully accredited, public university that enrols approximately 15,000 students per year with campuses throughout the Fraser Valley,” Gaetz added. “Having excellent educational opportunities within our community makes Chilliwack a very attractive location for students and families.

“In addition to being a great place to live, many businesses are discovering that Chilliwack is a good place to do business. City Hall offers a business friendly environment through low and competitive business tax rates, efficient and streamlined permitting processes and sound infrastructure investment.”

Chilliwack is 65 miles east of Vancouver, located in the Fraser Valley and south of the Fraser River. World-class freshwater fishing, more than 100 parks, 85 km of trails to explore, river rafting and golfing are a few of the noteworthy activities that have helped create the nickname of “The Great Outside.”

Chilliwack is the fourth and final British Columbia destination to make the Top 10 Growth Cities list for 2015. Continue following the countdown on myuhaulstory.com through March 4 to see the No. 1 city revealed.

Additional photo credits: Fishing (thumbnail image) and Outdoor Splendor (featured image) by Chris Kloot and City of Chilliwack.

Chilliwack growth facts

More on Chilliwack

  1. Agriculture has always played a major role in the development of the city. There are more than 900 farms in the area. The Circle Farm Tour is a self-guided adventure that takes you through the farming country and directs you to a variety of specialty farm gate vendors, eateries and heritage sites.
  2. Chilliwack was incorporated in 1873, the third oldest municipality in British Columbia. The city now has a population of approximately 89,000 people and is one of the fastest growing regions in British Columbia.
  3. Customers now have the convenience of four U-Haul neighborhood dealer locations in Chilliwack with top-of-the-line rental equipment and moving supplies: Surelock Mini Storage Park (43903 Industrial Way); Thunderhorse Garage (42952 S. Sumas Road); Jaw Canopies (8004 Enterprise Drive); and Cache 21 Mini Storage Ltd. (45770 Luckakuck Way).

Quotable

  • “Chilliwack is surrounded by fantastic mountains. It’s one of B.C.’s fastest going communities with world-class sports fishing, whitewater rafting, beautiful lakes, hiking and biking trails. If a healthy lifestyle is what you’re seeking, Chilliwack is your destination. Being in Chilliwack allows for quick access to Vancouver with far greater affordability.” — Horace Martin, U-Haul Company of British Columbia president

For tips on moving to this city click here!

What was your favorite thing about visiting or living in this city?  Share in the comments.

More articles like this one…

What’s New

Community Spirit: U-Haul Volunteers Help at André House

Community Spirit: U-Haul Volunteers Help at André House

Over half a million people face food insecurity in Maricopa County. Local nonprofits work daily to address this ongoing concern, but could not service those in need with the commitment of community and business members who choose to step up and help. U-Haul...

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul® volunteers recently helped St. Mary’s Food Bank put a fresh spin on its mission to provide food for people in need across Arizona. Thanks to St. Mary’s partnership with meal-kit company HelloFresh®, people facing food insecurity can now receive both an...

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

U-Haul® is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage to residents impacted by the wildfires across the Texas panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire started on Monday and has burned more than 1 million acres. It’s the largest in the state’s...

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

The Climb to Conquer Cancer of Phoenix is the American Cancer Society’s largest single-day climb event in the world. Every February in Arizona, thousands of cancer survivors, family members, caregivers and supporters participate in the Climb to Conquer Cancer. U-Haul...

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

February 14 is not just Valentine's Day. It is recognized as a National Salute to Veteran Patients day. During Valentine's Day week each year, U-Haul and the Tribute Journey say “thank you” to veterans of the U.S. Armed Services who are cared for in Department of...

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

Every new year invites new adventures. If your 2024 adventures include moving abroad, U-Haul International Moves® is equipped and licensed to support your exciting transition each step of the way. The U-Haul® brand is known globally for empowering do-it-yourself...

U-Haul Helps Kurt Warner Charity Change Lives of Arizona Family

U-Haul Helps Kurt Warner Charity Change Lives of Arizona Family

When Luz decided to apply for Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona’s Homeownership Program, she had no idea just how much of an impact it would have on her son, Jason. The family met Habitat’s criteria and completed more than 400 hours of “sweat equity” by working...

U-Haul Recognizes Its 2023 Volunteers of the Year

U-Haul Recognizes Its 2023 Volunteers of the Year

TEMPE, Ariz. — Michelle Vukov-Mikel and Michele Ramirez have been honored as the U-Haul® Volunteers of the Year for 2023. At the end of each year, U-Haul recognizes the Team Member(s) who has volunteered the most hours, supported the greatest number of U-Haul charity...