Osoyoos Indian Band members and Osoyoos residents will have access to 43 new affordable rental homes with the opening of mxitp Cedar Lane Apartments.

“Osoyoos Indian Band is proud to help ease the housing pressures in the Osoyoos region,” said Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie. “Housing is one of the top priorities of all levels of government and mxitp Cedar Lane Apartments will help workers find affordable accommodations.”

Located at 4931 Cedar Lane on Osoyoos Indian Band land, the five-storey building includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. Some units are fully wheelchair accessible to support people with disabilities. The name mxitp means “cedar” in the Okanagan language, honouring the local culture and environment.

“The new homes in Osoyoos will help families, seniors and workers stay connected to their community, close to work and people they love,” said Christine Boyle, B.C. Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “We’re proud to support Indigenous-led housing solutions that reflect local needs and values, and we’re committed to delivering more homes like these throughout the province.”

The homes are designed with comfort and community in mind. Each unit has a private outdoor space, either a balcony or patio, and a heat-pump system to keep indoor temperatures cool during hot summers. Residents will also have access to shared amenities, including a community gathering space, children’s play area, community garden, outdoor seating areas, central laundry and bike and scooter parking. The building is close to shops, parks and services, and is located along a main transportation corridor.

“These much-needed homes will offer more people in Osoyoos the peace of mind that comes from having a roof over your head,” said Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) and MP for Kelowna, on behalf of Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “Our government is proud to be working in partnership with Indigenous governments and other levels of government to make sure people have access to affordable and secure housing in the community they call home.”

Wolf Creek Housing Society, a non-profit organization owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band, will own and operate the building. Residents are expected to begin moving in by late October 2025.

These homes are part of the Province’s $19-billion housing investment. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway, including more than 850 homes in the Okanagan-Similkameen region. 

Quotes:

Sue McKortoff, mayor of Osoyoos –

“Osoyoos collaborates with the Osoyoos Indian Band on many areas of common interest and benefit, including housing. Both local residents and those who support our tourism industry desperately need affordable housing. Osoyoos Indian Band’s and BC Housing’s work to complete and open Cedar Lane Apartments is greatly appreciated and benefits us all.” 

Mary Wilber, chair, Wolf Creek Housing Society –

“We are excited to provide rental housings for families living in the Osoyoos area. It is our hope to be good stewards and provide safe housing for all.”

Quick Facts: 

• The Province, through BC Housing, provided approximately $5.3 million from the Building BC: Community Housing Fund for the project and will provide approximately $553,000 in annual operating funding.
• Other contributions include approximately $1.7 million in joint funding from the Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy and $784,000 in land equity from the Osoyoos Indian Band.
• The National Housing Strategy is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home.
• Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website.

Learn More:

To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/homesforpeople

To learn more about the National Housing Strategy, visit: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/housing-logement/ptch-csd/index-eng.html

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available here: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC

To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast