The shíshálh Nation in Sechelt is celebrating the completion of a project that saw 10 homes from Port Moody transported by barge to the community. Once on site, the 10 houses were placed on new foundations and renovated. Seven of the houses also had basement suites added, creating a total of 17 below-market rental units for First Nation members. The project was a partnership between developer Wesgroup, Renewal Development and the shíshálh Nation. “This project is about more than housing — it’s about creating opportunity and strengthening our community,” said lhe hiwus (Chief) yalxwemult Lenora Joe. “By partnering with organizations that respect our traditions, culture and priorities, we have delivered much-needed homes for our members while creating jobs, building skills, and investing directly in the future of our Nation.” The homes became available when Wesgroup purchased them as part of a land assembly so it could build a new master-planned community featuring 2,500 new homes in nine buildings near Inlet Centre Station. Of the 59 single-family homes slated for demolition to make way for nine new buildings, 10 were identified as suitable for relocation. The project also provided skills training and job opportunities for First Nation members who worked on the renovations and additions to the houses once on site in Sechelt. “This project shows what’s possible when we rescue and relocate quality buildings, work in partnership with First Nations, and invest in local people. It’s a model that delivers affordability, climate resilience, and community benefit all at once,” said Renewal Development CEO Glyn Lewis. According to Renewal Development, the project diverted approximately 1,000 tonnes of material from landfills.
