At the end of each year, The Chilliwack Progress newsroom takes time to reflect on which stories had the greatest impact on our readers.
This edition is the culmination of that reflection, and offers a chance to look back on the issues that dominated the headlines in print and online in 2024. It was a year of grassroots efforts to improve this community, in ways both big and small.
One of the ways all news organizations can check in with readers, is by seeing what they're reading online. We've compiled a list of the top ten stories online, based on our analytics.
Enjoy this edition and The Chilliwack Progress will resume regular news coverage in print with the Jan. 3 edition. Meanwhile, watch theprogress.com for up-to-date news coverage.
1. Hwy. 1 closed eastbound following fatal 6-vehicle collision in Chilliwack
Two people died in a six-vehicle collision on Highway 1 in Chilliwack on Aug. 6. The crash was at the Vedder Canal Bridge, near Yale Road West exit. The crash took the lives of Layna Brown and her son Dominic, aged eight, from Maple Ridge.
2. PHOTOS: Drones light up night sky on Canada Day in Chilliwack
The skies over Chilliwack had a different feel on Canada Day this year, with drones replacing fireworks for the celebrations. Curiosity seemed to abound online, making the photo gallery created by Progress multimedia journalist Jenna Hauck the second-highest viewed story of 2024.
3. PHOTOS: Christmas parade draws thousands to downtown Chilliwack
Readers also turned to our website to enjoy images of the recent Rotary Christmas Parade on Nov. 30. This year's parade was also filmed by G.W. Graham's television and broadcasting students, making it even more accessible for those who cannot attend the parade in person.
4. Chilliwack woman hailed a ‘hero’ in train-rescue attempt could lose home
Julie Callaghan is a well-known local hero, who acted quickly to try to save a life and was injured. Early this year, when she was facing the possibility of losing her home, Chilliwack rushed to help her.
5. PHOTOS: Hobbit house part of Ryder Lake Ramble in Chilliwack
Readers were rightfully in awe when we shared an inside look at a passion project from a Ryder Lake resident. The delightful recreation of a Hobbit house was part of the Ryder Lake Ramble this year, and hopefully for years to come.
6. Former Chilliwack MLA Dan Coulter, 49, dies in hospital
The recent death of a former school trustee and MLA came as a shock to those who knew Dan Coulter. He was one of two former politicians that Chilliwack mourned in 2024.
7. Nearly 40kg of problematic fish removed from Cultus Lake at derby
The Cultus Lake Fishing Derby aids in recovery of sockeye by reducing pikeminnow, smallmouth bass which prey on young salmon. In addition to being an important part of local salmon conservation efforts, this Father's Day event is always well-attended and fun.
8. Mother, daughter sued by Chilliwack society for misappropriating $1.4M
Kathleen Mosa and Erin Mosa were named in a civil claim, filed by Wilma’s Transition Society. The Mosas filed a counterclaim in response, and the issue is still in front of the courts.
9. Surf park, Nordic spa coming to Bridal Falls near Chilliwack
The first phase of a new attraction bringing a surf park and Nordic spa to Bridal Falls Waterpark is set to open in 2025, and ground was broken this year.
'The Reef Club at Bridal Falls' will bolster the recreational infrastructure in the region, with investment by Bridal Falls Waterpark and North Vancouver-based Ka’ana Wave Company.
10. CN apologizes to Chilliwack for whistles after train fatality
A train fatality in Chilliwack on June 5 led to a "slow order" being issued by Transport Canada, with whistling, to reduce the speed of trains travelling the eight kilometres through Chilliwack.
CN Rail later apologized to the Chilliwack community for any inconvenience caused by the train whistles, emphasizing the importance of rail safety and enforcement given the heightened awareness of the community since the fatal incident.
This issue was also the most common topic in letters sent to the editor this year.
