MERRITT, BC, Dec. 19, 2023 /CNW/ - First Nations' families, Elders and youth in Merritt will soon have access to more affordable rental homes with construction underway on a 52-unit building.
Today, the federal and provincial governments announced a combined investment of $11.2 million to build new homes that will help address the housing needs for First Nation community members from five Nicola Bands - Upper Nicola, Lower Nicola, Coldwater, Nooaitch and Shackan.
Located at 2640 Spring Bank Ave., the four-storey building will provide a mix of studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Thirty-six of the 52 will either be accessible or adaptable to accommodate current and changing accessibility needs. Each apartment will have a private balcony as well. The building will also include an amenity space for social gatherings or cultural ceremonies.
The Nicola Native Lodge Society will be the manager and is providing the land for the project. The building will accommodate intergenerational living (Elders and youth living together), which is aligned with the society's vision for culturally safe housing.
Construction will be completed by early 2025.
Funding provided for this project is as follows:
"Investing in affordable housing is more important than ever. Through this partnership with the Government of British Columbia, people of all ages will have access to housing so they can remain in their community. This project announced today is just one example of what we can achieve with our partners. I look forward to the completion of these housing projects and the positive impact it will have in our community." ? John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City on behalf of The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"People thrive when they can live in the community they know, with their family and friends. Our government is proud to support the Nicola Band to build housing in their communities. These 52 new homes will play a key role in helping many elders, youth, and families build good lives, and we will continue to work with Indigenous partners to build on- and off-reserve housing." ? The Honourable Ravi Kahlon, B.C.'s Minister of Housing
"It is with great pleasure that this project has come to fruition. Housing shortages are a crisis in our communities and this project will help alleviate some of these challenges. I raise my hands to all the people behind the scenes that turned this dream into a reality. Huxme'l knee." ? Chief Stuart Jackson, Lower Nicola Indian Band
"This project was a dream of many of our Nlaka'pamux Elders and leaders, many of which have passed and never seen the dream become a reality. The thought of going outside the Nicola Valley was one of the fears our people. This is a chance for the future people to retire and have a safe place to live." ? Chief Arnold Lampreau, Shackan Indian Band
"We recognize housing has an impact on many First Nations people. We need a place to call home, a sense of belonging, a sense of identity to be grounded to walk among the living plants, trees, rocks, and water. Once we feel this, we will be at peace with ourselves, family and connected to one another." ? Sharon Stone, board director, Shackan Indian Band
"We are thrilled to welcome such a distinctive and inclusive affordable housing project as the Spring Bank multi-unit development within our community. This project will not only bring much needed housing to the community, but it will also bring us one step closer to building a more integrated and supportive community that embraces our diverse cultures and honours the spirit of reconciliation." ? Mayor Michael Goetz, City of Merritt
SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
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