Chenkw Em̓út
Chenkw Em̓út means I am home
Affordable Homes on Mathias Road
Preliminary building design concept – images and renderings are provided for information purposes only and are subject to change.
Hiy̓ám̓ Housing is pleased to announce that construction for the Chenkw Em̓út, housing project started in October 2022.
The initial call-out for applications is closed. Applications submitted after July 26, 2024, 4:30 pm, will be added to the Chenkw Em̓út registry list. Occupancy will begin in the Fall of 2024.
![Rendering of Xwmélch’sten project by Hiy̓ám̓ Housing with branding elements on the left](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Xwnelchsten-Featured-Image.png)
![Exterior Rendering of Xwmélch’sten project by Hiy̓ám̓ Housing](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Xwmélchsten-Affordable-Homes-Rendering-Streetview-2-1024x572.png)
The design of the 95-unit building is based on our traditional Squamish longhouses and will foster positive intergenerational relationships. Chenkw Em̓út, will provide safe, long-term rental homes for Squamish members, with priority given to independent elders, youth, and families.
On June 17, 2022 the building was officially blessed and named. The official name is Chenkw Em̓út, which means “I am home”.
On July 28th, 2021, Squamish Nation members voted to designate this site for affordable housing.
The mixed-use residential development will feature the following:
- 4 studio apartments
- 50 one-bedroom apartments
- 20 two-bedroom apartments
- 10 studio townhomes
- 10 three-bedroom townhomes
- 1 five-bedroom townhouse
It will also include:
- Co-op grocery store
- Community garden
- On-site resident management office
- Community art opportunities
- Culturally-appropriate design
- 19 fully accessible units and 25 adaptable units
Training and Employment Opportunities
In partnership with the Nation, throughout the development process, this project aims to build the capacity of our local community through our employment and training opportunities and contracting practices that support Squamish Nation employees, suppliers, and businesses. Job and contract opportunities to be announced soon!
![Aerial Rendering of Xwmélch’sten project by Hiy̓ám̓ Housing](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Xwmélchsten-Affordable-Homes-Rendering-of-the-Entire-Complex.png)
![Community Rendering of Xwmélch’sten project by Hiy̓ám̓ Housing](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Xwmélchsten-Affordable-Homes-Rendering-Streetview-1.png)
![Second Exterior Rendering of Xwmélch’sten project by Hiy̓ám̓ Housing](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Xwmélchsten-Affordable-Homes-Rendering-Streetview-3.png)
![Exterior Rendering of CO-OP building at the Xwmélch’sten project by Hiy̓ám̓ Housing](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Xwmélchsten-Affordable-Homes-Rendering-Streetview-4.png)
Project Location
This project is in Xwmélch’sten Village, across from the Squamish Nation Elders Centre in North Vancouver (Capilano IR5).
![Map of Hiy̓ám̓ Housing's project at Mathias Road](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Map-HIYAMMathiasRoadHomeswithSupports.png)
Project Team
![Hiy̓ám̓ Housing's primary logo with workmark in with icon in orange](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Hiy̓ám̓-Housing-Primary-logo-with-icon.png)
![Luma Development Management logo](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Luma-Development-Management-Logo.png)
![Urban Arts Architecture Inc logo](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Urban-Arts-Architecture-Logo.png)
![Ventana General Contractor and Construction Manager logo](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Ventana-Logo1.png)
![Ideaspace logo](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ideaspace-Logo.png)
![Squamish Nation Trust Logo](https://hiyamhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Squamish-Nation-Trust-1.jpg)
Squamish Nation Trust
Application Process and Qualifying for Affordable Housing
Applications to live in Chenkw Em̓út, are expected to open in late 2023 and are managed by Hiy̓ám̓ Housing, separate from the Nation’s housing list.
All of Hiy̓ám̓ Housing’s new affordable housing projects will have a range of rental rates based on income levels.
Rents
At Chenkw Em̓út, rental rates are determined by BC housing program requirements under the Provincial rent scale. The community housing fund is a mixed income rent model that includes shelter, rent geared to income and affordable rental rates.