Province of BC joins the chorus of those hailing Lax Kw'alaams progress on housing in Prince Rupert

The recent celebration in Prince Rupert to launch the construction phase of the Lax Kw'alaams Housing project on 11th Avenue East made it's way to Victoria last week, with Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon making note of the progress for the apartment building plans.

“These 70 new homes are part of our commitment to help more Indigenous Peoples live affordably, while being close to family, community and culture, both on and off reserve. 

We are proud to work with organizations like the Lax Kw’alaams WAAP Housing Society and Indigenous developers like the Coast Tsimshian North Contractors to ensure more Indigenous Peoples have access to housing that meets their needs in communities throughout B.C.”

The Provincial notes also outlined the scope of the housing to be available once the building is ready for occupancy in the fall of 2025.

A design image for the now under construction 
Lax Kw'alaams Housing facility on 11th Avenue East

Located at 830 11th Ave. East, the project will provide much-needed off-reserve housing for Lax Kw’alaams elders, families and individuals, including people living with disabilities, with low to moderate incomes. The four-storey building will have a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, including 15 fully accessible homes. 

The project has been designed by the Lax Kw’alaams community to accommodate multi-generational living and to provide a gathering space for activities that celebrate the rich local culture. This includes providing a place for Sm’algya̱x language classes and traditional art. 

Once complete, the building will be managed by the Lax Kw’alaams WAAP Housing Society.

The Ground breaking ceremony took place October 12th
at the 11th Avenue East site in Prince Rupert

Both MLA Jennifer Rice and Lax Kw'alaams Mayor Gary Reece shared some observations on the progress for the project.

“With construction underway, many urgently needed homes will soon be available for Lax Kw’alaams members so they can live near the community they know and love. Homes for Indigenous families and individuals that are affordable, culturally appropriate and inclusive are needed in our community. I look forward to seeing their benefits for years to come.” -- Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. 

“This 70-unit housing project has been a long time coming for Lax Kw’alaams, and we’re very excited to see this project move ahead. This project will really help our members in Prince Rupert who are facing skyrocketing rental rates in addition to the increased cost of living we all face. We have quite a few members who work in Prince Rupert, and access to safe and affordable housing has the potential to make things easier for them.” -- Garry Reece, Mayor, Lax Kw’alaams. 

The announcement also provides a list of the financial contributions to the project, including that of the City of Prince Rupert and the 60 year lease for the parcel of land that the project is being constructed on.

The provincial statement notes that the Lax Kw'alaams project is among the nearly 300 homes that the province has invested in towards housing issues in Prince Rupert.  

The full list of those homes and where they are located was not included in their information release of last week.

The statement on the Lax Kw'alaans apartment planning can be reviewed here.

More notes on Housing in the region can be reviewed here.