Feds providing $5.5M towards Squamish Nation affordable housing

To ensure the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is able to provide safe and affordable housing to its members, the Canadian federal government has announced it is contributing more than $5.5 million in funding towards the Nation’s Chenkw Em̓út housing project in Xwmélch’sten.

According to the B.C. government, the feds’ contribution means investments from all levels of government now amount to about $15 million which will fund the 95 new affordable homes.

“Ensuring that everyone has a safe, affordable home is a priority for this federal government, and certainly for me personally,” federal energy minister Jonathan Wilkinson said Friday. “We know that this is the foundation for building strong and successful communities. There has been a housing crisis on reserve lands for a long time.”

Speaking at the announcement, Squamish Nation spokesperson Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams says the funding that will be used through the Nation’s Hiy̓ám̓ Housing department is “saving lives.”

“It is providing hope for Indigenous communities across Canada,” he said. “We are listening to our people. They want to come home. We have too many people homeless, in transition from incarceration. We have too many youth aging out and in care that are finding themselves lost, displaced, and disconnected.”

“This is a perfect example of being connected directly to the community, but more importantly connected to your home. Our people belong here,” Williams added.

According to the province, the four-storey building along Mathias Road will include homes for Elders, families, and youth, with a mix of one-, two-, three-, and five-bedroom units.

Hiy̓ám̓ Housing CEO Donalene Rapada says affordable housing units are in very high demand from Squamish Nation members.

“Everyone is excited about this housing development. The concept of this building is to go back to our long-ago traditions of longhouse living. We want to create a community that fosters intergenerational living where youth can learn from Elders through storytelling.”