Great news, renters!
The Ministry of Housing has announced that members of the Songhees Nation will soon have access to new affordable rental housing.
A six-storey apartment building is currently under construction and will offer 66 below-market price homes—it will feature a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom homes, where residents will pay no more than 30% of their income on rent.
The building is located at 1502 Admirals Road and they’re expecting the project to be completed by early 2025.
“For Songhees, by Songhees. This project symbolizes our unwavering commitment to providing safe and secure housing for all our members,” said Chief Ron Sam, Songhees Nation.
“We are excited to declare that this initiative represents merely the first step in a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring the well-being and prosperity of our people. The construction of a six-storey residential apartment reflects our dedication to on-reserve housing, a crucial step toward community empowerment.
This project is the result of a partnership between the Songhees Nation, the Province, through BC Housing, the federal government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Capital Regional District.
Additionally, the homes will be operated by M’akola Housing Society and will be prioritized for Songhees Nation members.
“Together, we embark on a path prioritizing the fundamental right of every individual to a place they can call home,” said Chief Sam.
“I look forward to seeing the doors open on these new homes, so Indigenous families, elders and individuals can remain in their community with their family and friends,” added Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin.
“I would like to thank our many project partners, including Songhees Nation, M’akola Housing, the federal government and the Capital Region Housing Corporation, for coming together to make this housing project a reality.”
This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the BC government aimed at tackling the housing crisis.
According to a media release, since 2017, there have been nearly 78,000 homes completed or are underway.
