Indigenous families, elders, and individuals from Prince Rupert are receiving an increase in their housing opportunities, thanks to the recently opened 70 new affordable houses and another 61 now under construction.
The recently constructed Lax 70 offers affordable housing for Indigenous peoples, with priority access for members of the Lax Kw’alaams Band. The four-story facility has a combination of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom homes with 15 fully accessible homes.
The development aims to provide for multi-generational living as well as community space for cultural events, language classes in the Sm’algya̱x language, and artistic programs.
According to B.C. Housing Minister Christine Boyle, there are still many housing problems that Indigenous communities are experiencing because of the lasting impacts of colonization.
“That’s why we are proud to support Nation-led housing solutions in partnership with Indigenous leaders, organizations and housing providers,” Boyle said.
The project was created through collaboration between the Lax Kw’alaams Band, the Province of British Columbia, the federal government, and the City of Prince Rupert. The city provided the land for the project via a 60-year lease at a small price.
According to Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond, it is Indigenous Nations and the housing sector who have led in providing housing opportunities.
“Indigenous Nations and housing corporations have been leading the charge to develop new homes for Prince Rupert,” Pond said. “We are grateful for their efforts and for the funds from BC Housing to bring it from concept to turn key homes that locals can be excited about.”
Meanwhile, another Indigenous housing project is currently being constructed in Seal Cove. The housing project on Bellis Road will provide affordable homes to address the need for housing for urban Indigenous people.
The housing project will consist of 27 units of three-bedroom houses and four units of four-bedroom houses, with a focus on accommodating larger families.
The North Coast Haida Gwaii MLA Tamara Davidson said that the development of the housing projects would contribute towards the creation of culturally safe spaces for Indigenous people.
“Our focus is on creating and preserving spaces where people and families feel culturally safe and supported,” Davidson said.
Lax Kw’alaams Mayor Garry Reece said the new housing will provide relief for members facing rising living costs and rental prices in Prince Rupert.
“This project will really help our members in Prince Rupert, who are facing skyrocketing rental rates in addition to the increased cost of living we all face,” Reece said.
The Lax 70 project received approximately $20.6 million from BC Housing, while the Bellis Road development received $23.3 million through the Building BC Indigenous Housing Fund.
