Seabird Island/Agassiz – The Province is partnering with the Seabird Island Band to build 34 new affordable homes on reserve for Band members, including families, elders and people living with disabilities.
“These homes will help more Band members live affordably and close to their family, community and culture,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “Our government will continue to work with Indigenous organizations and First Nations throughout the province to build the homes that Indigenous families need and at prices they can afford.”
The project will include two buildings with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. One building will have 12 accessible homes for elders and people living with disabilities, and the other will be a three-storey building with 16 apartments and six townhomes for families, single parents and people with low incomes.
“We are very pleased to see this project approved for funding,” said Chief James Harris, Seabird Island Band. “This project will make an impact on overcrowding issues in our current homes and will provide accessible living spaces for our elders and others with accessibility needs. It will also offer low-income housing close to our community core and our health, education and community services. Housing is a long-standing issue for First Nations across Canada, and Seabird is no exception. Seabird works hard to help people build their own homes, but that is not an option for many of our low-income families. We are thankful for the continued partnership with BC Housing.”
The development will be built at the intersection of Pipeho:m Road and Steqoye Road, and it will be within walking distance of the Band’s office and the community’s health-care, education and cultural centres. These include the Seabird Health Centre, the Early Childhood Development Centre and the soon-to-be developed Seabird Community and Cultural Centre.
The Province is providing $20.6 million to the project. Construction is expected to begin in March 2024.
