Housing and Municipal Affairs
Summary
- 81 new affordable homes for Indigenous people in Vancouver are open, operated by BC Indigenous Housing Society
- The development replaces a building damaged by fire in 2017, adding 54 net-new homes to the community
- Homes range in size to support various needs of Indigenous Elders, individuals and families, and are designed to support intergenerational living
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Indigenous Elders, families and individuals in Vancouver have begun moving into 81 new homes, following the opening of a new building named in honour of the late Chief Leonard George of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
“The Chief Leonard George building stands proudly as a testament to what strong partnerships can achieve,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “It reflects new beginnings for returning residents, and stability for new residents who now call it home. Honouring the Chief’s legacy while creating safe, affordable housing shows how we can build welcoming communities rooted in care, culture and connection.”
Located at 1766 Frances St., the project was delivered through a partnership between the Province, through BC Housing, the federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the City of Vancouver, and the BC Indigenous Housing Society.
The nine-storey building replaces a 27-unit property that was severely damaged by fire in 2017. The redevelopment created 54 net‑new homes and offers former residents the opportunity to return and continue calling the neighbourhood home.
“The Chief Leonard George building represents what is possible when Indigenous leadership, community knowledge, and long‑term thinking come together,” said Brenda Knights, CEO, BC Indigenous Housing Society. “This project is about more than replacing what was lost, it is about building homes that restore dignity, strengthen community, and reflect Indigenous values of care, connection and responsibility for future generations.”
Homes range in size from studios to four-bedroom units. Amenities include a child care facility on the first floor. The society owns and operates the new homes with support from the Aboriginal Housing Management Association. Residents began moving into the building in March 2026.
Indigenous-focused design, construction
The building’s design and construction techniques weave local Indigenous culture throughout the project. Its exterior façade draws inspiration from Coast Salish cedar basket weaving, symbolizing the interweaving of generations. The cedar tree provided essentials for life to the Coast Salish peoples since time immemorial. It was used for housing, art, medicine, weaving intricate baskets and for clothing.
The building has been named Chief Leonard George, granted by the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) to honour the legacy of the late Chief’s advocacy and lasting impact. Chief George cared deeply for people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver and would regularly visit the Downtown Eastside to offer support and care to those most in need.
“I am thrilled that this new essential housing complex for Indigenous Elders, families and other members of the community is named in honour of my father, Chief Leonard George,” said Chief Justin George, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). “My father was a visionary leader of our Nation. He viewed housing not just as shelter, but as a place of healing, strength, and connection. He also believed housing should reflect Indigenous identity, a belief that is honoured in the new Chief Leonard George building, which was designed to resemble a Coast Salish woven basket and to prioritize intergenerational living.”
Building amenities, sustainability
On-site amenities are also designed to support Indigenous culture and community connection. These include shared indoor spaces, including a large amenity room with patio space and community gardening opportunities on the seventh floor. This floor will also be home to an Indigenous‑focused before- and after-school child care program, and a shared gathering space.
According to the non-profit association Passive House Canada, the building is Canada's first mixed-use tall mass timber building built to Passive House standards. Its environmentally sustainable design helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports long‑term energy savings for residents.
This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 95,000 homes delivered or underway, including more than 12,800 homes in Vancouver.
Quotes :
Hedy Fry, MP for Vancouver Centre –
“Our government is proud to support this initiative as part of our ongoing efforts to build strong, supportive housing across the country. The Chief Leonard George building demonstrates the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s commitment to contributing to housing supply in Vancouver. It also honours my friend, the great Chief, Leonard George, whose deep sense of social responsibility and care for his community and the vulnerable was a legacy. This project is another step forward in the federal government’s bold ambitious plan to build Canada strong.”
Niki Sharma, MLA for Vancouver-Hastings –
“These new homes will make a real difference for urban Indigenous people in the community. This project brings people home, while creating new opportunities for residents. Through culturally relevant design, it fosters a sense of belonging, while supporting healthy, connected communities in Vancouver.”
Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver –
“The city is proud to have contributed to the rebuilding of this site through partnership with Indigenous leaders and all levels of government. These new homes at the Chief Leonard George building represent meaningful progress toward housing that honours Indigenous Elders and allows families to age in place with dignity.”
Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association –
“The Chief Leonard George building reflects what Indigenous housing can look like when culture, sustainability and community are built together from the beginning. This development creates safe, affordable homes, while honouring Indigenous design and creating space for families to remain connected to culture, community and one another.”
Learn More:
- To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/homesforpeople
- 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 how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast
- For the most-requested Government of Canada housing information, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/manage/housing.html
- To learn more about Build Canada Homes, visit: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/bch-mc/index-eng.html
A backgrounder follows.
