STATUS
In Construction

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

MDS is 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.

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.

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

STATUS
In Development

LOCATION
Village of Laxgalts’ap

REGION
North

CLIENT
Nisga’a Village of Laxgalts’ap

PROJECT TEAM
dys architecture
IDL Projects

BUILDING SIZE
30 rental homes

PROJECT BUDGET
$26.1 million

EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE
Summer 2028

The Village of Laxgalts’ap, located within the Nisga’a Nation, is working with MDS to develop a 30 unit affordable housing project on Nation land. This wood-frame apartment building will provide a mix of studio, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, providing affordable housing for Indigenous families, individuals, and Elders living independently on reserve. The project also includes surface parking, an amenity space, community garden plots, and storage spaces in the building.

As the development consultant, MDS is delivering a comprehensive suite of services, including project management, land use planning, communications and engagement support, and the coordination of local government approvals. MDS is also preparing capital and operating budgets, managing contracts and invoices, developing and administering funding applications, managing consultants, and overseeing construction administration.

This development is funded by BC Housing’s Indigenous Housing Fund, providing $9.9 million in funding. It is also funded by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Affordable Housing Fund, providing $8.6 million in funding.

Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026, and complete in summer 2028.