The Lax Kw’alaams Band and the Province have partnered to open eight new affordable rental homes for Indigenous Elders in the Village of Lax Kw’alaams.
“The project allows our Elders an affordable option to remain in the community thereby staying close to their families, their community and their lifestyle,” said Gary Reece, mayor, Village of Lax Kw’alaams. “The partnership between the Province and Lax Kw’alaams is an example of how public monies can be used for the benefit of all British Columbians.”
Located at 2101 Nelson St., the single-storey complex includes two two-bedroom and six one-bedroom units for Elders in the community. Each home has living, dining, laundry and kitchen areas. The building is wheelchair accessible and has a diesel generator to address frequent power outages. Monthly rents range from $375 (one bedroom) to $570 (two bedrooms) per month.
“Everyone should have a safe, secure and affordable place to call home in their community,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “It’s wonderful to see these Elders moving into their new homes, and I’d like to thank everyone who helped make the housing a reality.”
The Lax Kw’alaams Band owns and operates the homes, which are on Band land.
Residents started moving into the eight-unit building on June 1, 2020.
Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.
The Province provided approximately $2.5 million for the project.
Learn More:
A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC
To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/
A backgrounder follows.