The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is moving ahead with its ambitious plan to vastly expand housing on its lands, with a new development on Xwmélch’sten (Capilano 5 Reserve).
On Friday, officials from the federal, provincial and Squamish governments gathered in front of 300 Khatsilano Road, as construction workers hammered away in the background to build the new development.
The officials announced a combined $20 million in funding, which will support 95 new affordable housing units for Squamish Nation members. Around $5.4 million is coming from the federal government, $10.6 million from the province, $4.8 million from Squamish Nation in land equity and $100,000 from the Hiy̓ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society.
The new development, called Chenkw Em̓út (“I am home”), is based on a multi-generational housing approach, Coun. Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams) said, and is designed to create a community where Nation members can easily access services in the immediate area.
The four-storey, subsidized rental building will prioritize independent Elders, families and youth. There will be a mix of unit sizes, each with access to a private outdoor space. The development will be managed by Hiy̓ám̓, a non-profit that develops and manages affordable housing for Nation members.
Elements of cedar will be incorporated within the building, as well as graphic Coast Salish elements on the balconies and an exterior feature wall that came out of community dialogue and workshops, according to a statement. A co-op grocery store is also part of the project, where residents and the community can buy and sell traditional and artisan goods. There will be two green spaces on the property for use in ceremony, storytelling and meal sharing.
Construction is expected to be complete by summer 2024, with applications opening up a few months before that.
“There’s a huge Indigenous housing crisis. There’s a huge Squamish Nation housing crisis,” Williams said. “We hear these words too much. This today is an example of action.”
“This today is providing hope for Indigenous communities across Canada, especially here in B.C. where 200-plus identified First Nations communities reside,” he continued. “Especially today, for the Squamish Nation community, we’re saving lives."
The development goes along with the Nation’s strategic plan to provide housing for any member who wants a place to live in a Squamish community, Williams added.
“Concluding our recent census, we are listening to our people. They want to come home. We have too many people homeless, in transition from incarceration. We have too many youth aging out and in care that are finding themselves lost, displaced, disconnected,” he said.
“This is a perfect example of being connected directly to the community, but more importantly, connected to your home.”
Williams also noted that progress has been made on several other affordable housing projects announced last year. Applications are now open for Estítkw Place (“a safe place”), with 55 units at 239 Lower Capilano Road. Construction is set to wrap up this winter, Williams said.
