NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C.—A project in New Westminster is looking to innovate how affordable housing is delivered for underrepresented groups.
Site preparation has started on a 96-unit affordable housing development for Black and Indigenous families, elders and individuals in New Westminster.
“This unique development will help us address an urgent need for affordable housing for Black and Indigenous people and families in New Westminster,” said Jennifer Whiteside, MLA for New Westminster in a statement. “My heartfelt thanks to the many partners that have come together to develop a project that will have a significant impact on the lives of people for years to come.”
The project was first presented to BC Housing through a partnership between the Swahili Vision International Association and the Aboriginal Land Trust. The groups noted a need exists for affordable housing for members of the underserved Black and urban Indigenous communities. The project will support the sharing of knowledge, cultures and traditions for multiple generations of families living together.
“Over the last year, we have met with Black and Indigenous communities and heard that affordable, culturally safe housing is an ongoing need,” said Rachna Singh, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives. “New Westminster is one of the most densely populated urban centres in Canada, with a well-established and growing Black community.”
The development will be operated by the Lu’ma Native Housing Society and the Swahili Vision International Association. Operational oversight will be provided by the Aboriginal Housing Management Association.
“As we say in Africa, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ and children are the future and backbone of a community,” said Jean-Claude Bakundukize, co-founder of the Swahili Vision International Association. “We are witnessing the beginning of a village, the likes of which has never been seen before. Indigenous peoples living, sharing, caring and enjoying everyday life together with Swahili people; two peoples, two cultures fusing together, to raise their children together, to learn off each other and enhance one another in a modern village setting, and the beginning of a housing solution to some of our marginalized communities.”
The building will include a combination of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, and a ground-floor amenity room with a full kitchen, washroom and storage room. Exterior features will include a large outdoor terrace with a dining area, seating and barbecue hookups, multi-use exercise space and a children’s play area.
B.C. officials have committed to supporting the project through the Building BC: Community Housing fund, however the exact amount will be finalized once the project is closer to the start of construction, which is anticipated this summer. The new homes are expected to be ready in early 2024.
Recent Comments
comments for this post are closed