Work is beginning on the new ʔagayqsɛn Lane subdivision (formerly Harwood Drive) in Tla’amin Nation that will include 14 lots, including 11 for market housing and three for nation-owned rental homes.
According to a media release from Tla’amin, the subdivision will be built off Harwood Drive and end in a cul-de-sac with a service road accessible only by emergency vehicles.
The site was selected because it is close to water and sewer services, the release stated. Access to existing services means development can happen sooner and with less cost than other building sites.
Each serviced building lot will cost about $115,000 to construct and will be provided free of charge to Tla’amin citizens who can meet lot allocation criteria, according to the release.
Through the project, Tla’amin will contribute more than $1.3 million worth of land and in-kind costs to Tla’amin citizens to help them get started on their home ownership journey.
“This project is one I am really proud of,” stated Tla’amin hegus John Hackett. “Our citizens have been legislated out of private ownership opportunities for the last 150 years. We know that home ownership is how families build stability, wealth and independence, so we look forward to more projects like this in the future.”
Community engagement with Tla’amin citizens has been ongoing. Concerns raised early in the project about drainage wetlands planning and bird species monitoring, parks and green space, water capacity, amenities and lighting have been addressed by project planners and engineers, the release stated.
Executive councillor and public works housepost Losa Luaifoa is enthusiastic about the project and the opportunity it presents for Tla’amin families, according to the release.
“The ʔagayqsɛn Lane subdivision increases access to new, safe and affordable housing,” stated Luaifoa. “We anticipate over 50 Tla’amin citizens will be housed through this project and about three quarters of citizens housed will be living in a home that they own.”
Heavy machinery will be on site beginning in early September and roadbuilding and lot preparation will be ongoing from 7 am to 6 pm, six days a week, until mid-November.
A ground blessing ceremony is scheduled on site at 1 pm this Friday, August 30, and all are welcome to attend.
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