With construction getting underway on 60 homes at M’akola Housing Society’s Station Avenue development, the B.C. government is adding to the project with 40 more new homes for Indigenous families in need.

“The housing crisis has left too many families in Langford struggling to afford housing, and that search for a quality home is even harder for Indigenous families,” said Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “That’s why — together with Indigenous leaders, Indigenous housing providers and First Nations — we are building new, affordable homes for Indigenous peoples throughout B.C.”

The 40 homes in Phase 2 of the Station Avenue project are being delivered through an $8-million investment from the new Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund. The fund is a 10-year, $550-million commitment to build 1,750 new units of social housing for Indigenous peoples around B.C.

In addition to building 60 homes, Phase 1 will include office space for two Indigenous non-profit societies — Indigenous development consulting firm M’akola Development Services, and Hulitan Family and Community Services Society, which offers culturally sensitive services and programs for Indigenous youth and families.

“Offering expanded safe, affordable housing options for Indigenous families and Elders in the City of Langford, while also providing Hulitan Community Family Services Society’s first purpose-built offices along with our new provincial M’akola Development Services office, is an important and exciting day for M’akola and for our future in the development of affordable housing,” said Kevin Albers, M’akola Group CEO. “We see this building as a hub for not only Indigenous families and Elders to call their home but also the hub for affordable housing development projects across our province. This first phase of the redevelopment of our Station Avenue property will make meaningful and positive impacts on the residents of Langford for years to come.”

Construction for the first phase, a six-storey apartment, is expected to be complete by March 2020. Rents are projected to range from approximately $640 (studio) to $1,500 (three bedroom) per month.

Quotes:

Stew Young, mayor, City of Langford –

“The city is pleased to partner with the Province and the M’akola Housing Society by assisting with development costs associated with this six-storey residential project to be built in Langford. Projects like this are good for the community as they create local jobs, which help to boost our economy, and housing affordability is vital to any municipality and has long since been a key priority of city council.”

Kenda Gage, executive director, Hulitan Family and Community Services Society –

“We are thankful for the opportunity to work alongside M’akola. This partnership jointly leverages our capacities in the community to better serve the residents of Langford and the clients of our organizations. This project is testament to what occurs when Indigenous organizations come together, and our communities are stronger because of it.”

Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) –

“AHMA is committed to ensuring affordable housing is both accessible and offers culturally sensitive services that accommodate the diverse needs of Indigenous peoples around B.C. M’akola Group of Societies does a spectacular job of collaborating with Indigenous and surrounding communities to create not only affordable housing but thriving communities that honour and support Indigenous traditions.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province is investing approximately $20 million in capital costs toward the Station Avenue development:
  • Phase 1: $12 million through the Provincial Investment in Affordable Housing program
  • Phase 2: $8 million through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund
• Through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund, the Province will provide $550 million over the next 10 years to build 1,750 units of social housing for Indigenous peoples, on- and off-reserve in British Columbia. This includes 164 homes in Colwood and Langford: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018MAH0149-002268
• The Indigenous Housing Fund was launched in Budget 2018 as part of the Province’s 30-point housing plan. The plan outlines the largest investment in affordable housing in B.C.’s history — more than $7 billion over 10 years. Through this investment, the Province will work in partnership to create 114,000 new, affordable homes.
• Through the new Building BC housing funds, the Province is investing $140 million for 1,100 units of affordable housing throughout the Capital Regional District. This includes:
  • Community Housing Fund: $100 million for more than 900 homes
  • Indigenous Housing Fund: $33 million for more than 160 homes
  • Women’s Transition Housing Fund: $7 million for 20 homes

Learn More:

Read Homes for B.C., government’s 30-point plan to address housing affordability for British Columbians: bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf