CAPILANO INDIAN RESERVE NO. 5 – Construction is underway on 95 new rental homes on Squamish Nation reserve land.
The Government of British Columbia, Squamish Nation and the Hiy̓ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Housing Society announced a combined investment of more than $15 million to fund the project which is expected to open in summer 2024.
The four-storey building is located at 300 Khatsilano Rd. at Capilano Indian Reserve No. 5 and will include homes for independent elders, families and youth with a mix of studio and one-, two-, three- and five-bedroom units, a release said.
Each unit will have access to a private outdoor space and the building will feature two green spaces for use in ceremonies, storytelling, relaxation and meal sharing.
The design is grounded in Squamish culture and traditional practices to create culturally reflective affordable housing, the release said, with elements of cedar incorporated within the building as well as graphic Coast Salish elements on balconies.
The project will be managed by the Hiy̓ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Housing Society (also known as Hiy̓ám̓ Housing Society), a non-profit organization that develops and manages affordable housing for members of Squamish Nation. A multi-generational approach to housing “presents an opportunity to reimagine the traditional Squamish longhouse living practice that seeks to create a grounded living context of mutual support and learning opportunities,” the release said.
The B.C. government is providing a grant of approximately $10.7 million through BC Housing to the project, and the federal government through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, is providing $4.3 million.
Indigenous Services Canada is providing $965,000 and the Hiy̓ ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Housing Society is providing equity funding of $100,000. Squamish Nation is leasing the land for the project to the Hiy̓ ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Housing Society and the leasehold interest on the land is estimated to be $4.75 million.
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