MERRITT, B.C. – Construction is underway in Merritt, B.C. on a 52-unit development for First Nations families, elders and youth.
The new four-storey building, located at 2640 Spring Bank Ave., will help address the housing needs for First Nations community members from five Nicola Bands: Upper Nicola Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Coldwater Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band and Shackan Indian Band, a release stated.
The building will feature a mix of studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Thirty-six of the 52 units will either be accessible or adaptable to accommodate current and changing accessibility needs.
“This project was a dream of many of our Nlaka’pamux Elders and leaders, many of whom have passed away and never saw the dream become a reality. The thought of going outside Nicola Valley was one of the fears of our people. This is a chance for the future people to retire and have a safe place to live,” Shackan Indian Band Chief Arnie Lampreau said in a statement.
The Nicola Native Lodge Society is providing land for the project and will manage the housing, which will accommodate intergenerational living, such as elders and youth in the same building, aligned with the society’s vision for culturally safe housing, the release said.
The building will also feature an amenity space for social gatherings and cultural ceremonies.
B.C. is contributing approximately $10 million through BC Housing to the project through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund and a joint contribution of approximately $1.3 million through the Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy also went towards the project.
Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
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