Summary

• Seventy new affordable homes are open in Prince Rupert to support members of the Lax Kw’alaams Band
• Another 61 homes are underway with a focus on providing affordable homes for urban Indigenous families in Prince Rupert
• The homes are being built in partnership with the City of Prince Rupert

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Indigenous individuals, families and Elders in Prince Rupert have access to 70 affordable homes with the opening of a new rental housing building at 830 11th Ave. E.

Construction has also started on 61 new homes at 2300 Bellis Rd. near Seal Cove.

“First Nations communities across B.C. and Canada continue to face greater barriers to housing and other basic needs as a result of the ongoing impacts of colonization,” said Christine Boyle, B.C. Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “That’s why we are proud to support Nation-led housing solutions in partnership with Indigenous leaders, organizations and housing providers.”

The homes are funded through the Province’s Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund, which helps build affordable rental homes for Indigenous families, Elders, individuals and people with disabilities.

Opening of Lax 70 

The Lax Kw’alaams community has access to 70 new homes in Prince Rupert, with the opening of a four-storey building at 830 11th Ave. E. The building provides a combination of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for people with low to moderate income and includes 15 fully accessible homes.

The building will accommodate multi-generational living and will provide a gathering space for activities that celebrate the rich local culture. It includes Sm’algya̱x language classes and supporting traditional art.

The project is in partnership with the federal government through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, through the Affordable Housing Fund, and the City of Prince Rupert, which contributed the land through a 60-year lease for a nominal fee to the society.

“Our government is proud to have supported the construction of these 70 new homes as part of our ongoing efforts to build strong, affordable communities across the country,” said Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Pacific Economic Development. “Lax 70 will have a real impact on lives in Prince Rupert, and it’s another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong.”

More homes on the way

Sixty-one homes are under construction on Bellis Road, which will help address an identified housing shortage for urban Indigenous families. The project includes 27 three-bedrooms homes and four four-bedroom homes and will provide flexible housing solutions for multi-generational families.

“We’re working in partnership to ensure Indigenous people have access to the safe and affordable housing they need so they can thrive in the community they call home,“ said Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii. “Our focus is on creating and preserving spaces where people and families feel culturally safe and supported. Through flexible solutions and amenities geared to the needs of residents, these homes will help strengthen and enrich Prince Rupert.”

Quotes:

Herb Pond, mayor of Prince Rupert –

“Indigenous Nations and housing corporations have been leading the charge to develop new homes for Prince Rupert. We are grateful for their efforts and for the funds from BC Housing to bring it from concept to turn-key homes that locals can be excited about.”

Garry Reece, mayor of Lax Kw’alaams –

“This project will really help our members in Prince Rupert, who are facing skyrocketing rental rates in addition to the increased cost of living we all face. We have quite a few members who work in Prince Rupert, so access to safe and affordable housing has the potential to make things a little easier for them."

Kevin Albers, CEO, M’akola Housing Society –

“The 2300 Bellis Rd. development in Seal Cove is the result of intentional partnerships and Indigenous placemaking through the provision of safe, secure and affordable housing. Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, this project will create 61 new homes that prioritize local residents, including our Ts'msyen hosts. We’re proud and excited to eventually welcome people into their new homes and continue to support the community of Prince Rupert.”

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 portal and the Investment Policy Framework, visit: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/bch-mc/approach-invest-approche-eng.html#how-to-submit

Two backgrounders follow.