Funding is being given to help First Nations on Vancouver Island boost their on-reserve housing, business development, and infrastructure thanks to a joint effort across all levels of government.
Cowichan Tribes, Malahat First Nation, Khowutzun Development Corporation, and Cowichan Contractors were joined by the provincial and federal governments as the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), BC Housing, and Knappett Projects announced loans to the First Nations.
According to Cowichan Tribes, they’ll be receiving (along with Malahat First Nation) a total of $66.7 million in loans to provide an economic boost in housing and business.
“The loans will help enable on-reserve housing and business development,” they say. “These are the first CIB projects on Vancouver Island to achieve financial close.”
Malahat First Nation will also be getting a $57.8 million boost to help with infrastructure improvements, which they say will help boost water capacity and improve emergency preparedness.
“It will help fund the replacement of a 28-year-old water treatment plant that is at capacity and build a new wastewater treatment plant to replace failing septic beds,” they say. “The increased water capacity will enhance emergency preparedness while the new wastewater system will protect local groundwater, the ecosystem, and shellfish beds in Saanich Inlet.”
Additional funding of $15.8 million from CIB’s investment will also unlock Malahat’s primary reserve lands to help build new housing with over 200 units, as well as $8.9 million to Khowutzon Development Corporation to build two rental units, commercial space, an outdoor kitchen, children’s play area, and community gardens.
Cowichan Tribes chief Cindy Daniels says hearing a housing development coming to the region will solve many challenges faced by Cowichan Tribes and will help improve the lives of so many.
“Housing for families is acute,” she says. “There are many complex challenges to building on-reserve housing, and I commend the unique partnerships and collaborations to help build these 200 new homes.
“This major housing development will transform the lives of the residents who will live here, at the edge of the Quw’utsun Sta’lo’ (Cowichan River) which has sustained our people physically and spiritually for millennia.”
Photo credit: Cowichan Tribes
Cowichan Valley MLA Debra Toporowski says the area has a long history, and more infrastructure will allow future generations to remain in their community and thrive.
“The Cowichan Valley is an extraordinary place, filled with a rich history passed down from our ancestors,” she says. “This will help many long-time Duncan residents and Tribes members stay in the community, including the Elders who teach us and young adults who grew up here.
“Tribes members will have more opportunities to thrive on our traditional territory, and all residents will be able to stay close to family and loved ones.”
The new homes are part of Rivers Edge, and part of Cowichan Tribe’s economic development strategy to prioritize the needs of its citizens.
It’s expected 20 per cent of the homes at Rivers Edge will be below market rates.
