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Cowichan Tribes’ affordable-housing project complete

Housing project largest built by First Nation so far
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The 32 new housing units that Cowichan Tribes has constructed on Daniels Crescent, near Boys Road, are complete and tenants are expected to begin moving in sometime in April.

The buildings have recently undergone final inspection and received occupancy permits, and the First Nation held tours of the housing units before they are occupied for dignitaries, project partners and staff on March 22.

The approximately $10-million affordable-rental housing project is a partnership between Cowichan Tribes and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which contributed $4 million.

RELATED STORY: COWICHAN TRIBES PARTNERS WITH OTTAWA FOR 32 NEW AFFORDABLE-HOUSING UNITS

The modular-housing project, the largest housing complex built so far by Cowichan Tribes and intended to help address the immediate need for affordable housing among its members, consists of three buildings with a range of housing units; including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedrooms.

Sixteen of the units will be used for housing-department rentals and 12 one-bedroom units will be earmarked for Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem Child and Family Services to support young moms and youth as they age out of care.

These tenants will have access to life skills and supports through onsite connections and programming.

The project was delayed by labour shortages and global supply chain issues in several areas; including concrete, hand railings, and hydro meters so its opening is almost one year later than initially planned.

The project was also designed to be Step-4 energy efficient, which means minimal heating costs for residents.

“I lift my hands up to the staff from our Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem and Capital Projects, Sustainable Housing Departments for the thoughtfulness and collaboration that went into this project,” said Cowichan Tribes’ acting chief administrative officer Cindy Daniels.

“Their work not only added to the much needed on-reserve housing stock for families, Elders and young people, but they also had the foresight to build in community amenities, including a teaching and multi-purpose space with a kitchen, as well as a playground, sports court and public washroom facilities with a water fountain.”

RELATED STORY:COWICHAN TRIBES BEGINS WORK ON ITS LARGE HOUSING COMPLEX

Cowichan Tribes also said in a release that it thanks Tire Stewardship BC for providing a $14,400 grant towards a rubberized surface for the accessible, nature-themed playground located on a green area in the middle of the project.

A separate rubberized surface for the project’s multi-use sport court will be installed later this spring.

Cowichan Tribes intends to host a community-wide celebration in the late spring, once this surfacing work is complete and tenants have settled into their new homes.

Addie Price, acting director of Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem, added that Child and Family Services is also pleased to see the project’s units and facilities finally completed.

“We will have common areas to host workshops and other activities to help build community amongst the youth, young moms, and Elders,” she said.



robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com

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