ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society’s redevelopment will offer new affordable homes in Cranbrook

Press Release

Traditional Territory of Ktunaxa Nation (December 11, 2025) – ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society (AHS) and the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) are pleased to share news of an important project that will benefit the Cranbrook community and reflect our shared commitment to safe, sustainable, and culturally respectful housing.

The AHS property located on Ktunaxa territory at 2220 2nd Street South in Cranbrook, is being redeveloped to replace 18 townhomes at the end of their lifespan. Demolition of the existing buildings will begin in February 2026, and construction is expected to start in Spring. The redevelopment project will create two 6-story buildings in two phases. Phase One of the project will be completed in 2027 and offer 22 modern, safe, accessible, and affordable homes for individuals and families in our community.

“ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society Board of Directors and staff are excited to finally be able to move forward with the redevelopment of this property,” said AHS Executive Director, Cecilia Teneese. “We look forward to providing new affordable housing in our community. Thank you to AHMA for keeping our housing needs here in Cranbrook in the forefront and the Ministry of Housing for the funding needed to move forward with this much-needed project.”

AHS is a member of AHMA and an Indigenous organization with over 30 years of experience as an affordable housing provider in Cranbrook.

The leadership at AHS is taking a For Indigenous, By Indigenous approach to this project, which includes engagement with knowledge keepers and Elders as well as an entirely Indigenous project team. Tawaw Architecture Collective Inc. and Lu’ma Development Management are working together with North Mountain Construction and Connor Construction Group Corp., a certified Indigenous business, to bring this project to life.

“Housing is more than just infrastructure; it is about people, stability, future generations, and community,” said Margaret Pfoh, CEO of AHMA. “Provincial investment is critical to secure affordable homes for those most in need, including Indigenous families. We thank the Ministry of Housing for the support and the trust they put in our organization’s expertise in delivering housing solutions through our members that serve the broader community.”

This project will improve the quality of affordable housing available in Cranbrook and be a self-sustaining model, incorporating some market units. The building will be a pet-free environment with air conditioning and beautiful community-oriented spaces. Eventually, AHS will be able to offer 44 units, instead of the existing 18, with the remaining half of the units built in Phase Two.

“There is no reconciliation without a place to call home. Indigenous housing offers safety and honours cultural needs and values,” adds Margaret Pfoh, AHMA CEO. “Indigenous housing plays an important role in strengthening our communities, supporting individuals and families, and creating a sense of belonging and wellbeing.”

–30-

About AHS: Established as a non-profit organization in 1992, the ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society provides suitable affordable housing for lower-income households, primarily of Indigenous ancestry, as a foundation to achieve stability, pride, and opportunities for growth. The society currently manages over 100 affordable housing units within the City of Cranbrook. The Ktunaxa Nation consists of six communities, four in southeastern BC in and around the area where Cranbrook is located – ʔaq̓am, ʔakisq̓nuk, Yaqan Nukiy, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱠi’it, and two in the US – ʔaq̓anqmi (Bonner’s Ferry, ID) and k̓upawicq̓nuk (Elmo, MO).

About AHMA: The Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) has 30 years of expertise in advancing housing rights for Indigenous Peoples in Urban, Rural, and Northern communities. AHMA’s members manage 96% Indigenous housing units located off-reserve in BC. AHMA administers funds – in partnership with BC Housing – for over 10,000 Indigenous individuals and families living in urban, rural, and northern parts of the province. The culturally supportive programs and services that AHMA members provide include affordable housing units, shelters, transition homes, supportive housing, complex care housing, and assisted living facilities.

Media Contact:

Kelly Moon
Communications & Public Affairs, AHMA
communications@ahma-bc.org
604-353-0427

ILR5