The first political entity was the Township of Chilliwhack, covering an area that approximates today's City boundaries. The Township was formed in 1873, one of the first organized municipalities in British Columbia. This government remained in effect until 1908. By that time, differences between the rural and urban areas emerged. Rural residents wanted better roads and drainage systems while urban residents wanted better fire protection. The City of Chilliwack, a small geographic area, centered on the main business district. For the next 72 years two municipal governments co-existed. In 1980 the two structures amalgamated to create the District of Chilliwack. In 1999, the District changed its name and is now known as the City of Chilliwack.

Despite these changes, the communities that make currently [2000] make up City of Chilliwack have retained their largely rural identities. They grew out of a time when travel was not easy. First schools, then post offices, then churches, then stores often clustered at strategic intersections, creating a community. These community identities have been proudly maintained over the years and continue to define Chilliwack.