March 1962:
A Provincial First: Opening the Sunshine Drive Hostel –
As part of a Federal Pilot Project, Inclusion Chilliwack Society (then operating under a previous name) made history by opening the Sunshine Drive Hostel—the first respite care option in British Columbia offered outside of institutional settings such as Glendale, Woodlands, and Tranquille.
At a time when respite care was virtually unheard of outside large residential institutions, the Sunshine Drive Hostel represented a groundbreaking shift in how support services for individuals with developmental disabilities could be delivered. It provided families with a much-needed alternative—one that was community-based, person-centered, and rooted in dignity and respect.
The initiative was widely recognized as highly innovative, setting a new standard for care and support in the province. It helped pave the way for future developments in inclusive services and demonstrated the power of local organizations to lead transformative change.
The Sunshine Drive Hostel remains a proud part of Inclusion Chilliwack Society’s legacy, reflecting its long-standing commitment to pioneering inclusive, compassionate, and community-focused solutions.