Chenḵw em̓út
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 site preparation for the Chenḵw em̓út, housing project will start in August 2022 and construction will begin in September 2022. Occupancy is expected in Winter 2024 and Hiy̓ám̓ Housing will begin accepting applications from members to live in the building in late 2023.
The design of the 95-unit building is based on our traditional Squamish longhouses and will foster positive intergenerational relationships. Chenḵw 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 Chenḵw 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:
- 14 studio apartments
- 50 one-bedroom apartments
- 20 two-bedroom apartments
- 10 three-bedroom apartments
- 1 five-bedroom apartment
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!
Project Location
This project is in Xwmélch’sten Village, across from the Squamish Nation Elders Centre in North Vancouver (Capilano IR5).
Project Team
Application Process and Qualifying for Affordable Housing
Applications to live in Chenḵw 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 Chenḵw 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.