Twenty-eight new affordable homes for Indigenous people are now open on Tsawout First Nation near Central Saanich.
The five-storey building, with a mix of two-and-three bedroom units, have in unit dishwashers and laundry machines. The building also has storage lockers, bike storage, covered parking, a playground and communal space for barbecuing and gathering.
“Tsawout First Nation is elated about the new affordable rental housing for working individuals and families built on Nation land,” said Chief Abraham Pelkey.
“We would like to raise our hands in thanks to the Underwood Family Trust, BC Housing, Salish Sea Housing Society, Victoria Native Friendship Centre and many others for this amazing achievement. So many families are grateful they have a safe place to call home. We here in Tsawout look forward to many more amazing opportunities like this in the future. HÍSW̱ḴE SIÁM.”
The building is owned by the Salish Sea Housing Society on land leased by the Underwood Trust. The Victoria Native Friendship Centre will be the property manager.
According to Tsawout First Nation, rent will be no more than 30 per cent of the household income.
“These are 28 much-needed affordable homes for Indigenous people during a housing crisis, where people from the Tsawout Nation will live closer to family, community and culture,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.
“We are proud of the work the Salish Sea Housing Society and Victoria Native Friendship Centre have done, and we remain committed to working with First Nations partners to ensure more Indigenous people have access to housing that meets their needs in communities throughout B.C.”
The province provided $6.1 million in funding for this housing project through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund and will provide annual operating funding around $536,000.
Laura Brougham
