MDS has partnered with the Creston Valley Community Housing Society to build an 18-unit rowhouse building designed to provide homes in the heart of Creston. Prospective tenant groups include, but are not limited to, low‐ and moderate‐income families, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQ+ people, persons with disabilities, refugees, and persons fleeing violence.

The dwellings are arranged around a courtyard area, creating a community within a community. The use of a central courtyard creates an open space for connectivity. Townhomes have been selected to create family‐sized homes at a more affordable price, while allowing each family to have their own space. In relation to the surrounding community, the walkable location encourages residents to go by foot or bike to downtown Creston, schools, parks, and other amenities. The project has also been designed to a high sustainability standard and includes the use of solar panels.

The project has received significant financial backing at a local and federal level for the use of energy efficient/green development features and the provision of affordable housing. This includes grants from Columbia Basin Trust, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, and local financial contributions through fundraising and donation efforts. The project was recently awarded full project funding through the BC Housing Community Housing Fund RFP call.

M’akola Development Services (MDS) partnered with Kootenay Society for Community Living (KSCL) for the design and construction of the Eagles Estates affordable housing project located at 1101 2nd Street in Castlegar, BC.  

The project is a three-storey, wood-frame, residential development, consisting of 8 affordable housing units for low- to mid-income individuals and a 5-bedroom care home for KSCL’s client population. The 5-bedroom care facility on the ground floor will serve adults with developmental disabilities, while the top two floors will include 8 one-bedroom apartment units, with one fully accessible unit and three adaptable units.  

Design of the project required coordination of CLBC’s care facility building requirements and the BC Housing Design Guidelines. The project also required coordination of multiple funders – BC Housing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Columbia Basin Trust. MDS also facilitated a land swap with the municipality to advance the previously stalled project.  

MDS SERVICES PROVIDED

• Feasibility analysis and studies
• Site due diligence    
• Funding applications, management and reporting
• Capital and operating budgets 
• Design team procurement   
• Construction administration
• Project management services