STATUS
In Development
LOCATION
Chawathil First Nation IR#2 Reserve Lands
REGION
Lower Mainland
CLIENT
Chawathil First Nation
PROJECT TEAM
The Nerdy Architect
Mierau Contractors
BUILDING SIZE
4 townhouse buildings
31 rental homes
PROJECT BUDGET
$26.5 million
EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE
Spring 2028
This project represents the first new housing developed in Chawathil First Nation Territory (on reserve) in the past 20 years. The Nation’s goals for this development are to improve living conditions on reserve, provide affordable rental rates that reduce the cost of living, and enable members living off-reserve to come home.
Extensive community engagement guided the design process. Surveys, open houses, interviews and focus groups have ensured that Chawathil priorities and the local context are meaningfully reflected in the development.
Our team is now working with Chawathil First Nation to develop and construct a 31-unit, multi-residential housing development on Schkam IR #2 reserve lands outside of Hope, BC. The development includes four wood-frame townhouses that will provide a mix of 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-bedroom units. The unit mix and style was determined based on community need, which identified housing for Elders who may care for family members or require care, and a need for housing for larger families.
The development features:
- Bright and welcoming interior spaces
- Exterior colours drawing inspiration from Chawathil identity
- Roof lines referencing the nearby mountains to reinforce a sense of place
- Durable metal roofing to enhance safety in response to increasing forest fire risk
- Air conditioning systems for indoor comfort and healthier air quality
- Cultural gathering areas including a harvest table and food processing space
- Half basketball court suggested by Chawathil Youth
