COURTENAY, BC, May 5, 2023 /CNW/ - Indigenous Elders, individuals and people living with disabilities with low- to moderate-incomes will soon have access to 40 new affordable homes in Courtenay.
COURTENAY, BC, May 5, 2023 /CNW/ - Indigenous Elders, individuals and people living with disabilities with low- to moderate-incomes will soon have access to 40 new affordable homes in Courtenay.
Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, Ravi Kahlon, BC Minister of Housing, Bob Wells, Mayor of Courtenay, and Monica Goodheart, President of the Wachiay Friendship Centre, announced a combined investment of over $10.4 million for the Naut'sa mawt. Construction will soon be underway and is expected to be complete late in 2024.
Located at 1679 McPhee Ave., Naut'sa mawt (meaning 'together as one') will be a five-storey building featuring a mix of studio and one-bedroom affordable homes close to amenities such as the Wachiay Friendship Centre, public transit, a community centre and commercial services.
Wachiay Friendship Centre Society (WFCS) will own the building and will provide culturally appropriate programming and supports for their clients, including gathering space for residents to host cultural events like feasts, dance regalia, drumming, and storytelling. M'akola Housing Society will provide operational services through a mentorship agreement with WFCS.
The WFCS is a non-profit organization that provides services to more than 7,000 urban dwelling Indigenous People in the region. It delivers more than 50 programs and services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Funding provided for this project includes:
"No relationship is more important to Canada than the one with Indigenous Peoples. The 40 new affordable homes being built right here in Courtenay will meet the pressing need for affordable housing within this community. Through similar investments like the one announced here today, we're working hard to build strong, healthy communities and improve the quality of life for those most in need. This is the National Housing Strategy in action." – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
"Thanks to this partnership, residents of Courtenay will have access to safe and affordable homes. Indigenous elders provide invaluable contributions to their communities. Making sure that they have safe and affordable homes is one way to give back to them. The Naut'sa mawt project will enable members of Courtenay to remain close to their families and friends, lead fulfilling lives and contribute to the well-being of their communities." – Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville
"We are so grateful to our community partners, including the Wachiay Friendship Centre Society, for making sure that we provide the homes community members need. Delivering more affordable housing through partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations is a core part of our housing plan. These 40 new homes will be instrumental for many individuals and families, helping them build good lives in and with their community." — The Honourable Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Housing
"We are pleased to begin another much-needed affordable housing project in the community. Indigenous Elders, families, and people living with disabilities will soon enjoy these new homes, close to their family and friends. We look forward to seeing the new homes stand, where people can live safely and worry-free close to their community."
— Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox
"It's so great to see this project moving forward in Courtenay with the construction of this affordable and culturally-appropriate housing for Indigenous people in our region, and the collaboration with the Wachiay Friendship Centre Society and M'akola Housing Society. The Province is making significant efforts to tackle the housing crisis in British Columbia. The City of Courtenay is excited for this much-needed investment in our community and pleased to provide our support."– Bob Wells, Mayor of Courtenay
"It has been a dream of the Wachiay Friendship Centre Society to create affordable housing for over 20 years. Through the hard work of the staff and Board of the Wachiay Friendship Centre Society it is now happening. Wachiay is very proud to be able to provide even more support to the community we all love."– Monica Goodheart, President, Wachiay Friendship Centre Society
SOURCE Government of Canada
For further information: Kevin Collins, Office of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, [email protected]; Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Media Relations, [email protected]; Ministry of Housing, Media Relations, 236-478-0251; BC Housing, Media Relations, [email protected]
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