Vancouver Island First Nation chips away at housing shortage with new development

A First Nation on Vancouver Island has broken ground on a development that could house dozens of families.

Construction is well underway on a multiplex for families in Tsawout First Nation, which is on the Saanich Peninsula.

“It’s a very proud time for us to be providing housing for our people,” said Tsawout Chief Abraham Pelkey.

“There’s severe overcrowding for our people. There’s so many families living in one home — up to about 12 people living in one home.”

The $22-million project could be complete as early as February, Pelkey said.

“It just creates prosperity for our people and that resonates into the community,” he said.

The one- to three-bedroom units are reserved for the Nation’s members.

About 89 families are on Tsawout’s waitlist for subsidized housing. Pelkey estimates the new multiplex could house approximately 200 people.

The project is funded in part by BC Builds, a provincial program that launched roughly a year ago to create more homes for middle-income earners.

“We’re the first and only province to create those partnerships for housing with First Nations in Canada,” said Saanich South MLA Lana Popham.

“These homes are going to be able to support people who are the lifeblood of communities: people who work in childcare, in schools, trades, and hospitals and businesses.”

Cowichan Tribes has also secured BC Builds funding. The First Nation on central Vancouver Island is constructing a two-building complex that will bring 200 homes to Duncan.

“Building these units isn’t going to solve our housing problem in our community, but it’s a good, healthy step,” said Cowichan Tribes councillor Calvin Swustus.

He expects the project will be complete in 2027.