New affordable rental homes open in Courtenay BC, in partnership with the province and M’akola Housing Society. Single’s with low-moderate incomes, those at risk for, or experiencing homelessness in Courtenay, including Indigenous peoples, will have access to 35 new affordable homes.
Located on the traditional territory of the K’omoks, 810 Braidwood is a three-storey, wood framed building, with a mix of studios and one bedroom homes. Equipped with a common room, and office space. All of the homes have four-piece bathroom and a kitchen. Outdoor space featuring private patio, and covered shelter/smoking area.
“We are honoured to be working in partnership with BC Housing, the Wachiay Friendship Center and the City of Courtenay on this much needed and community supported affordable housing project which will be located on the Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation. Affordable housing is a priority to this community and this project along with the strong support received is to be celebrated,” said Kevin Albers, CEO of M’akola Housing Society and M’akola Development Services. “Our teams are excited to be the development consultants and property managers to these 35 new purpose-built affordable, rental homes in the City of Courtenay.”
M’akola Development Services is the development consultant and contributed $500,000 towards the project.
“As an Indigenous non-profit development consulting firm, we are pleased to announce we were able to make the strategic investment of $500,000 towards this project,” said Kaela Schramm, Director of Projects and Planning, M’akola Development Services. “This contribution reduced operating costs and covered costs of additional sustainability features to decrease tenants’ utility costs.”
The city of Courtenay contributed the land towards this affordable housing project.
“We welcome the grand opening of this important facility and are grateful for the safety and security it will provide to members of our community who are at risk of homelessness or housing insecurity. Countless organizations and individuals have worked tirelessly for many years to make this project a reality, and it’s truly exciting to finally be celebrating its completion,” said Bob Wells, Mayor, City of Courtenay.
Six of the units will be rented at the provincial shelter rate of $375 per month through referrals from the Wachiay Friendship Centre’s clients registered in their Housing Partnership Program.
“The Braidwood Project is a result of many years of work with community partners and is an important part toward solutions for the Comox Valley,” says Michael Colclough- Executive Director. “Addressing issues of homelessness and affordable housing is a focus of the Wachiay Friendship Centre, and Wachiay is very pleased to have been involved in this M’akola Housing Society project, and to see this building being tenanted.”
Rents for the other units will range from approximately $580 to $760 per month, helping low to moderate income people with the housing they need.
“Any one organization, working alone, can have only limited impact given the scale of the housing crisis. By working together, AHMAs members and our partners can be a powerful force for change and Braidwood is a testament to this change. We want to acknowledge the tremendous work and commitment to Indigenous housing from both our members Wachiay Friendship Centre and M’akola Housing Society,” said Margaret Pfoh, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Housing Management Association. “On behalf of AHMA I am honoured to welcome Braidwood and each of its future residents to the AHMA community.”
