There’s a new affordable housing development for Indigenous people on the Tsawout First Nation.
The five-storey building has 28 homes and is located at 7611 Central Saanich Rd.
The development has a mix of two and three-bedroom homes with laundry machines, dishwashers, internet access and storage lockers.
It also features a playground, communal space, covered parking and bike storage.
This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government.
“Finding affordable housing is an issue here on the south island as it is across the province, and our government is proud to be supporting the Salish Sea House as an attainable home for members for the Tsawout First Nation,” Saanich South MLA Lana Popham said in a news release. “This project is an example of how we are working with Indigenous organizations to ensure that supportive, affordable and culturally inclusive homes are made available as a step toward reconciliation and affordability.”
The Salish Sea Housing Society owns the building on land leased by the Underwood Trust.
“On behalf of the board of directors, we’re pleased to announce the opening of this innovative, green, rental housing development,” said Jack Basey, Salish Sea Housing Society board chair in the release. “Located on certificate of possession lands within the Tsawout First Nation, it provides affordable rental housing for working individuals and families that strives to be culturally safe. The board is pleased that by working together with our many partners over the past decade, our vision has been realized.”
The Victoria Native Friendship Centre is the property manager.
“Tsawout First Nation is elated about the new affordable rental housing for working individuals and families built on Nation land,” Tsawout First Nation Chief Abraham Pelkey said in a statement. “We would like to raise our hands in thanks to the Underwood Family Trust, BC Housing, Salish Sea Housing Society, Victoria Native Friendship Centre and many others for this amazing achievement. So many families are grateful they have a safe place to call home. We here in Tsawout look forward to many more amazing opportunities like this in the future.”
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