Construction will soon begin for a five-storey, 43-unit housing development on Osoyoos Indian Band land, the B.C. government announced Friday, Jan. 26.
The project will be located at 4931 Cedar Lane and feature a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom homes.
Although open to all community members, the rental units will “have a special emphasis on supporting Indigenous Peoples, including Osoyoos Indian Band members,” the province added.
“This project is part of our Homes for People action plan, creating affordable homes for more than 40 individuals and their families in Osoyoos,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s minister of housing. “We’re taking action to deliver more housing faster, so we can support communities throughout British Columbia.”
The development was made possible because of a partnership between the province, BC Housing, Osoyoos Indian Band and federal government, reads a press release.
Construction is expected to be complete by the summer of 2025.
“Not only do these investments help create new jobs and stimulate the local economy, but they also help to provide access to secure and affordable homes for community members,” said Harjit Sajjan, MP for Vancouver South, on behalf of Sean Fraser, the federal minister of housing, infrastructure and communities.
“This collaborative effort is helping to ensure that more individuals have a place they can call home.”
Funding for the project includes around $5.3 million from the province, a joint contribution of $1.8 million through the Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement, and a $784,000 land equity contribution from the Osoyoos Indian Band.
The B.C. government said Friday the Osoyoos development is part of a $19-billion provincial housing investment, which has delivered more than 700 homes in the Okanagan-Similkameen.
“The Osoyoos Indian Band, in partnership with the B.C. government, is proud to announce this housing project, which will help with the ongoing housing crisis in the South Okanagan,” said Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band.