For a community to thrive, residents must be able to find affordable housing and feel secure where they live. That is why many Basin communities have prioritized reducing their housing shortages.
The following three affordable rental housing projects— in Cranbrook, Invermere and Revelstoke—are adding viable options in these communities, supported by the Trust and Province of BC.
Opening doors to a better life
In a partnership between the Trust, Province of BC, Aboriginal Housing Management Association and
Aqanttanam Housing Society (AHS), 39 new homes for Indigenous families, elders and individuals have opened at the Chief Agnes McCoy Centre in Cranbrook.
The housing development was named in honour of the late Agnes McCoy, elected Chief and respected elder from ʔaq’am, who was one of the founders of AHS. This nonprofit society for low-income Indigenous and non-Indigenous people oversees operations at the Chief Agnes McCoy Centre’s three storey building, which includes subsidized one-, two- and three-bedroom rentals.
“The 39-unit complex has provided low-income residents with a place to call home,” says AHS Executive Director Cecilia Teneese. “We’re so grateful to have received the funds to support this project, because without it we wouldn’t have such a beautiful facility.” Teneese notes AHS works with other agencies in Cranbrook to provide support and services for tenants to improve their quality of life and ensure their diverse needs are taken care of.
Farmhouse project enhances a community
Thirty affordable rental units have become available for individuals, families and women and children fleeing domestic violence in Invermere. Named the Farmhouse, this initiative includes six townhouses with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes.
The Trust, Province of BC, District of Invermere and Family Dynamix Association (FDx) partnered to bring this dream to life. FDx manages the Farmhouse, plus offers a wide variety of education, counselling, advocacy and other supports to residents.
“The Trust’s partnership with Family Dynamix on many initiatives has resulted in a significant positive impact in our community,” says FDx Executive Director Pat Cope. “Safe and affordable housing is a right for all individuals to thrive.”
Located near important amenities like schools and grocery stores, the Farmhouse is just one successful example of the positive impact affordable housing has on the overall well-being of a community.
Another step ahead
A new apartment building has opened in Revelstoke that offers secure housing with storage, parking and a community garden. Located on Humbert Street, the Bridge Creek apartment complex comprises 24 affordable one-bedroom rental units and helps address Revelstoke’s housing crisis. The homes are the result of a partnership between the Trust, BC Housing, the City of Revelstoke and the Revelstoke Community Housing Society (RCHS), which owns and operates the building.
“The new complex provides much-needed homes and amenities for 30 residents,” says RCHS Operations Manager Kira Wolf. “It’s a great start and we’re already planning the next housing project: an apartment complex with more two-bedroom units to address the needs of families in our community.”