The Chilliwack
Progress Wednesday
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Christmas through the ages with the CMO.
Finding a festive way to fund playground.
Chiefs solidify hold on top spot.
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Real estate on the rebound in 2014
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Jennifer Feinberg The Progress It’s been a stellar year so far for Chilliwack real estate sales. “It’s actually been ver y very good,” said Jake Siemens, president of the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board. There are still a few more weeks left in 2014, but already there are clear signs the local marThis is the ket is bouncing back. first year “We’ve that we’ve seen about a seen some 20 per cent increase in recovery sales roughly, month ~ Jake over month, from 2013,” Siemens Siemens said. It’s not so much that individual house prices are going up, but rather that more Chilliwack properties have been selling. “This is the first year that we’ve seen some recovery. It bodes well for 2015.” Siemens has been in the business a long time, celebrating 28 years in January. The steady rise in 2014 real estate transactions in Chilliwack began to be seen in early spring, starting in February. “So far we’re on track, not necessarily for a record year, but probably close,” he said. The local real estate market was exceptionally strong back in 2006 and 2007, before succumbing to
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The GW Graham Grizzlies celebrate their second AA junior varsity provincial championship win at BC Place on Saturday. The team defeated the Abbotsford Panthers 23-13. For more, see page 41, and go online to www.theprogress.com for a slideshow. JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS
Take care in high stream-flow conditions Jennifer Feinberg The Progress Flood watchers in Chilliwack had their eyes peeled this week. Heavy rain and warmer temperatures hit the south coast region by Monday night, causing creeks and rivers to rise in Chilliwack. Officials with the Chilliwack Emergency Program urge everyone “to take special care at this time of year” when significant rain storms can arrive .
Caution is key for public safety especially when high streamflow or flood watch advisories are issued. There were none in effect at press time. “Residents, recreationalists and visitors to the area are urged to use extreme caution on and near all water ways including water ditches,” according to the City of Chilliwack notice. “Rain storm waters can be fast-rising and fast-moving.” It can also make shorelines
unstable. People are asked to stay well away from the water’s edge and to be especially vigilant for the safety of children and pets along rivers and creeks that can prove unpredictable and dangerous. See more the Chilliwack Weather Forecast. They’re calling for four-day rain totals in the region to be between 100 and 400 mm. Chris Wilson, manager for Emergency Services for FVRD said they’ve had conference calls with Environment Canada and
Emergency B.C. reps, and will continue to monitoring the local conditions this week. “Even though it may be nice to look at the high water as it’s rushing by, we recommend staying away right now. People can be overtaken quite quickly,” he said. The heavy rain warning was lifted for the Fraser Valley area last night, but they’re still watching levels on the Fraser and Chilliwack rivers, and stream Continued: RAIN/ p10
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