A 28-unit affordable-housing development funded by the provincial government has opened on Tsawout First Nation land, making B.C. the first province to put its own money into on-reserve housing — typically a federal responsibility.
The five-storey rental building at 7611 Central Saanich Rd. is a mix of two-and three-bedroom units, each with a dishwasher and laundry facilities.
The complex also includes a playground and a communal space for barbecues and other gatherings.
B.C. Housing provided $6.1 million in funding for the project through the Indigenous Housing Fund, and is providing annual operating funding of about $536,000.
“Tsawout First Nation is elated about the new affordable rental housing for working individuals and families built on nation land,” said Chief Abraham Pelkey. “So many families are grateful they have a safe place to call home.”
The new building is owned by the Salish Sea Housing Society and located on “certificate of possession” land leased to it by the Underwood Family Trust. The Victoria Native Friendship Centre is the property manager.
Salish Sea Housing Society board chair Jack Basey said the new building is the culmination of many groups working together over the past decade.
Saanich South MLA Lana Popham said the project is an example of how the province is working with Indigenous organizations to ensure that “supportive, affordable and culturally inclusive” homes are made available.
The 2023 provincial budget added $1.3 billion to the Indigenous Housing Fund, bringing it to $1.8 billion to be used to build 3,500 units of social housing both on and off reserves.
