The appearance of light boxes in downtown Chilliwack was a bit of a mystery.
The social media posts that popped up after that were a little light on facts.
“They have been there a while,” said one poster about the light boxes. “What are they? I’ve been trying to figure it out.”
Some thought they were public art. One said maybe they were for holiday cheer, while others suggested they might be warming stations.
So The Progress set out to illuminate the truth of this light-box mystery in the making.
Light boxes installed recently near Five Corners, seen here on Jan. 18, 2021. (Paul Henderson/ Chilliwack Progress)
Turns out the new LED light boxes were installed by Algra Bros. Development to light up the walkways leading from parking to their new District 1881 development – but that’s not all.
The light boxes are also interactive and people can have a little fun changing the light patterns if they clap their hands or stomp their feet in front of them.
Algra marketing director Jon Kinneman said the goal is to direct people to park in the Victoria Avenue lots and lighting the way was one method they came up with to help folks feel a little safer.
“The lights are temporary as they are part of a larger lighting program for District 1881 that we will be installing in the coming year.”
City of Chilliwack provided the electrical connections for the Algra light boxes.
“Overall the two initiatives significantly improve the pedestrian experience,” said city staff.
READ MORE: Excitement as the first businesses open in District 1881
READ MORE: DT development expected to kickstart revitalization
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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