Chilliwack – While construction continues on the breezeway and the historic sign reno, Chilliwack Community Services held an open house at the new Paramount Project.
You could check out the new space and programs and get a guided tour on June 25.
Over 2000 applications for the 60 plus housing units were received. A waiting list is expected to be in place by the fall.
This was the amalgamation of a number of CCS services and offices now all under the same roof. From Language programs to care for moms and kids in need of legal and MCFD assistance.
There is also a wall dedicated to the history of CCS and the original Paramount Theatre on the site here the new building is located.
From Maggi Davis CCS:
On Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, Chilliwack Community Services (CCS) hosted an open house to welcome the public to their new building across the road from District 1881. Since 1928, CCS has been there to support those in need from twinkle to twilight years in different locations across the community. Their innovatively designed space inside the newly constructed Paramount building combines two of those locations into one central place for access to the majority of their services.
The first two floors of the Paramount building are filled with space for learning, advocating, supporting, and building a caring community in the five-corners area of Chilliwack. The top three floors, however, are rental units managed by Chilliwack Community Services for young adults or seniors; often beneficiaries of the other services that CCS provides. This affordable housing for the at-risk is an incredible opportunity to support those in need.
From FVN March 19, 2024:
Eight years in the making and it’s now a reality.
“We need to make sure Chilliwack stays a place where young people can put down roots and seniors on fixed incomes can live comfortably,” said Premier David Eby. “That’s why our government is supporting unique housing solutions like the Paramount. This affordable intergenerational housing complex for young adults who were formerly youth in care and seniors is the first of its kind in British Columbia and will provide residents with community, support and belonging.”
The Paramount is six-storey building at 46187 Yale Rd. and will be available to adults between the ages of 19 and 25, and seniors with low to moderate incomes. Priority will be given to young adults who were formerly in care.
The project follows an increasingly popular housing trend in North America, which is new to Chilliwack. The Paramount connects young adults leaving the child welfare system with seniors in the community. This project will help grow an informal network of support between generations and address an established need for community and connections. The Chilliwack Community Service Society is exploring community gathering and mentorship opportunities between young adults and senior residents.
Kudos were giving to then CCS Chilliwack Community Services Executive Director Dianne Janzen, who was instrumental in getting the project off the ground and through major hurdles. That included merging housing with the foiur CCS offices and adding a retail component to the Yale Road side of the building.
No, the old Paramount Theatre sign could not be restored but a replica will be by the main entrance to pay homage to the history of the site.
