Basin communities build solutions to help meet affordable housing need
To increase the availability and quality of affordable housing in the Basin, the Trust is supporting groups throughout the region as they do energy retrofits on existing affordable rental buildings and build new affordable homes.
The retrofits are helping to save energy and lower costs, while reducing the impact on the environment and making tenants more comfortable. The new builds are opening doors to additional housing options for Basin residents.
Altogether, these projects are an important step toward creating healthy, resilient communities.
Here’s a quick roundup of some of the projects:
- Energy Retrofit:
ABBEYFIELD HOUSE IN GOLDEN
New: windows, heat pumps, solar panels & more.
PASSMORE LODGE IN PASSMORE
New: heat pumps, ventilation system, attic insulation, solar panels.
LAKEVIEW MANOR IN INVERMERE
New: heat pumps, LED lighting.
ROTARY VILLA IN NAKUSP
New: heat pumps, domestic hot water systems.
ARCHIBALD HOUSE & THE COTTAGE IN CRESTON
New: solar panels.
BLUEBELL MANOR IN RIONDEL
New: solar panels.
2. New Homes:
YAQAN NUɁKIY
New: six homes
Details: Provided carpentry mentorships for Band members. Meets BC Energy Step Code 5 (the highest level).
CASTLEGAR
New: four homes
Details: Built thanks to generously donated time, money and materials. Requires selected families to complete 500 hours of community volunteer work before becoming titled homeowners. First Habitat for Humanity Project to meet BC Energy Step Code 5.
ROSSLAND
New: Rossland Yards, an apartment with 37 units
Details: Affordable rental units for people who live and work in the community, built by the Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society. Includes fibre optic cable for high-speed connectivity. Meets BC Energy Step Code 5.
Since 2016, the Trust has committed over $76.9 million to help create almost 1,100 affordable rental homes and upgrade over 1,900 units. This has resulted in: annual energy savings of approximately 5.5 million equivalent kilowatt hours and an annual operating-cost savings of approximately $605,000.
