Affordable housing projects announced for First Nation

Jan 31, 2020 | 2:21 PM Pete McIntyre

The Westbank First Nation and the provincial government are working together to build 17 new affordable rental homes on the reserve.

Construction will start next month at two sites with completion next spring.

WFN provided the land for the projects and will own and operate the buildings.

“Our Council strives to ensure that all WFN members are afforded housing opportunities that meet current needs and our long-term housing goals,” said WFN Chief Christopher Derickson. “We are very pleased with both housing projects that will be developed in partnership with BC Housing on Falcon Lane and Fox Road. Providing 17 new housing options allows us to continue to support our membership with affordable housing while working towards our long-term vision of revitalizing our community core.”

The first complex, a two-storey apartment building at 1920 Falcon Lane, will include 14 apartments for WFN members. The building will have a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, with the ground floor and two-bedroom units serving Elders and Members who require an accessible layout. Monthly rents are projected to be $400 per month for the eight one-bedroom units and $570 per month for the six two-bedroom units. The Province is providing a $2.8-million grant through the Indigenous Housing Fund for the project, as well as an annual operating subsidy.

Located at 1910 Fox Rd., the second complex will include three townhomes for member families. Each townhome will have two-bedrooms, living, dining and kitchen areas, and one-and-a-half bathrooms. Monthly rents are projected to be $570 per month. The Province is providing a $600,000 Indigenous Housing Fund grant for the project, as well as an annual operating subsidy.

Westbank First Nation Members can apply for the housing through WFN Property Management.

“Housing is the foundation on which people build their lives. With these homes, more WFN Members will be able to stay in their home community, surrounded by their culture and tradition,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government is proud to be working in partnership with First Nations, Indigenous leaders and Indigenous housing providers to build much-needed new, affordable homes like these for Indigenous peoples throughout B.C.”