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Opening new homes for Indigenous families in Prince Rupert

Press Release

More than 130 new homes open or underway for Indigenous people in Prince Rupert

PRINCE RUPERT –

Summary

  • Seventy new affordable homes are open in Prince Rupert to support members of the Lax Kw’alaams Band
  • Another 61 homes are underway with a focus on providing affordable homes for urban Indigenous families in Prince Rupert
  • The homes are being built in partnership with the City of Prince Rupert

Indigenous individuals, families and Elders in Prince Rupert have access to 70 affordable homes with the opening of a new rental housing building at 830 11th Ave. E.

Construction has also started on 61 new homes at 2300 Bellis Rd. near Seal Cove.

“First Nations communities across B.C. and Canada continue to face greater barriers to housing and other basic needs as a result of the ongoing impacts of colonization,” said Christine Boyle, B.C. Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “That’s why we are proud to support Nation-led housing solutions in partnership with Indigenous leaders, organizations and housing providers.”

The homes are funded through the Province’s Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund, which helps build affordable rental homes for Indigenous families, Elders, individuals and people with disabilities.

Opening of Lax 70

The Lax Kw’alaams community has access to 70 new homes in Prince Rupert, with the opening of a four-storey building at 830 11th Ave. E. The building provides a combination of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for people with low to moderate income and includes 15 fully accessible homes.

The building will accommodate multi-generational living and will provide a gathering space for activities that celebrate the rich local culture. It includes Sm’algya̱x language classes and supporting traditional art.

The project is in partnership with the federal government through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, through the Affordable Housing Fund, and the City of Prince Rupert, which contributed the land through a 60-year lease for a nominal fee to the society.

“Our government is proud to have supported the construction of these 70 new homes as part of our ongoing efforts to build strong, affordable communities across the country,” said Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Pacific Economic Development. “Lax 70 will have a real impact on lives in Prince Rupert, and it’s another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong.”

More homes on the way

Sixty-one homes are under construction on Bellis Road, which will help address an identified housing shortage for urban Indigenous families. The project includes 27 three-bedrooms homes and four four-bedroom homes and will provide flexible housing solutions for multi-generational families.

“We’re working in partnership to ensure Indigenous people have access to the safe and affordable housing they need so they can thrive in the community they call home,“ said Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii. “Our focus is on creating and preserving spaces where people and families feel culturally safe and supported. Through flexible solutions and amenities geared to the needs of residents, these homes will help strengthen and enrich Prince Rupert.”

Quotes:

Herb Pond, mayor of Prince Rupert –

“Indigenous Nations and housing corporations have been leading the charge to develop new homes for Prince Rupert. We are grateful for their efforts and for the funds from BC Housing to bring it from concept to turn-key homes that locals can be excited about.”

Garry Reece, mayor of Lax Kw’alaams –

“This project will really help our members in Prince Rupert, who are facing skyrocketing rental rates in addition to the increased cost of living we all face. We have quite a few members who work in Prince Rupert, so access to safe and affordable housing has the potential to make things a little easier for them.”

Kevin Albers, CEO, M’akola Housing Society –

“The 2300 Bellis Rd. development in Seal Cove is the result of intentional partnerships and Indigenous placemaking through the provision of safe, secure and affordable housing. Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, this project will create 61 new homes that prioritize local residents, including our Ts’msyen hosts. We’re proud and excited to eventually welcome people into their new homes and continue to support the community of Prince Rupert.”

Learn More:

Two backgrounders follow.

Contacts:
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Media Relations
hmamedia@gov.bc.ca

BC Housing
Media Relations
media@bchousing.org

BACKGROUNDER 1

What to know about the developments

Lax 70

  • The development will offer 70 new homes for Indigenous families, Elders and individuals, with priority given to members of the Lax Kw’alaams Band.
  • The Province, through BC Housing, provided approximately $20.6 million for the project:
    • $15.8 million from the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund
    • a $4.8-million cost-pressure grant.
  • The Province is also providing annual operating funding of $1.5 million.
  • The federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, provided $6.2 million through the Affordable Housing Fund.
  • The Lax Kw’alaams Band provided $2.5 million in cash equity.
  • The City of Prince Rupert contributed the land, valued at $637,000, through a 60-year nominal lease to the Lax Kw’alaams.

2200 Bellis Rd.

  • The development will provide 61 homes for urban Indigenous families, with a focus on multi-generational families and Elders.
  • The Province, through BC Housing is providing $23.3 million through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund will provide annual operating funding of $1.2 million.
  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation provided a $4.3-million grant.

Contacts:
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Media Relations
hmamedia@gov.bc.ca

BC Housing
Media Relations
media@bchousing.org

BACKGROUNDER 2

What to know about federal, provincial investments to deliver more homes

  • The projects are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government.
  • Since 2017, the Province has more than 99,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including nearly 400 homes in Prince Rupert.
  • The Affordable Housing Fund provided funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing.
  • This was a $16.1-billion program under the National Housing Strategy that gave priority to projects that helped people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental-health or addiction issues, veterans and young adults.
    • As of December 2025, the Government of Canada has committed $14.4 billion to support the creation of more than 56,900 units and the repair of more than 174,700 units through the Affordable Housing Fund.
    • On Sept. 19, 2025, the Government of Canada announced $1.5 billion top-up in loans for the Affordable Housing Fund’s New Construction stream to support the creation of more than 5,000 new units starting in 2025-26.
    • Additionally, the Affordable Housing Fund’s Rapid Housing sub-stream will be accelerated by pulling $385 million from future years.

Contacts:
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Media Relations
hmamedia@gov.bc.ca

BC Housing
Media Relations
media@bchousing.org

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