The construction of 40 new affordable homes in Courtenay will benefit Indigenous elders, individuals and people living with low to moderate incomes.
A ground breaking ceremony today (Friday) marked the beginning of the construction at the Wachiay Friendship Centre Society.
Located at 1679 McPhee Ave., Naut’sa mawt (which means “together as one”) will be a five-storey building with a mix of studio and one-bedroom homes close to amenities like the Wachiay Friendship Centre, public transit, a community centre and commercial services.
The friendship centre is a non-profit organization that provides services to more than 7,000 urban-dwelling Indigenous people in the area and delivers over 50 programs to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
President Monica Goodheart says the ceremony marks an important step.
“It has been a dream of the Wachiay Friendship Centre Society to create affordable housing for over 20 years,” said Goodheart.
“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.”
Funding for the project is coming through $4.5 million from the province through BC Housing, $2.7 million through a grant to address cost pressures and an annual operating subsidy.
$2 million is also coming from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, $260,000 from the Comox Valley Regional District through a homelessness supports service grant, a $90,000 fee exemption from the City of Courtenay, and a $25,000 grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
The friendship centre is providing the land and $5,000 towards the project.
Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns says the project is a big step towards reconciliation in the Comox Valley.
“We know that the disproportionate, overrepresentation of Indigenous people on the streets of our communities is unacceptable and today is addressing that important need,” said Johns. “It is Red Dress Day, it is a day that we know that we need to address the missing and murdered Indigenous women in our country.
“This is going to provide a safe secure place for some of those women. This is a step forward in terms of addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls to Justice and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.”
Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard adds that they are “pleased to begin another much-needed affordable housing project in the community.”
Construction is set to begin soon and is expected to be completed in 2024.
