Tla’amin celebrates 24 new units of accessible housing for Elders and citizens with unique needs
June 1, 2023
t’išosəm- Tla’amin Territory
Today, Tla’amin Nation celebrates the grand opening of ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye (Klah Klah Hay Ayeh), or
Elders House, which provides 24 units of apartment style living for Elders and Tla’amin citizens with
accessibility challenges.
Hegus John Hackett says, “The creation of ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye fulfills a 30-year-old vision of our Elders
to age-in-place, close to their grandchildren and as active participants in community life.”
ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye features eight two-bedroom units, and sixteen one-bedroom units and provides safe,
affordable, accessible housing for elders and citizens with disabilities who can still live
independently. Every unit meets general accessibility standards, and a few are equipped with ceiling
lifts and lowered counters for members that use wheelchairs full-time.
The purpose-built complex is located next door to the Tla’amin Health Center enabling more efficient
coordination of vital primary care, dental and home care services to Elders and Citizens with unique
needs. The complex was built less than 100 meters from Tla’amin’s Child Development Centre to
foster intergenerational connection and programming.
“Elders and members with unique needs have said that they want to stay in community – connected
to language, culture, ceremony and one another,” said Tla’amin Nation Health Director, Marlane
Paul “ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye introduces safe and accessible housing built with our members needs in mind
so that they can be as independent as possible for as long as possible.”
ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye supports a core goal in our Comprehensive Nation Plan to enhance the viability and
sustainability of the Tla’amin housing stock. The building exceeds green energy standards and
includes an elevator, lobby with common spaces, amenity deck and gazebo area. A totem pole
welcomes visitors at the buildings entrance.
“Tla’amin Nation and the whole of qathet are facing a dire shortage of suitable and accessible
housing,” said Losa Luaifoa, Executive Council member. “This project will have a generational and
positive impact for our people. We thank our project partners Luma Housing, Converge
Construction, and Urban Arts Architecture for delivering the much-needed housing on-time and on-budget.”
The Federal Government provided $8.7 million through the Rapid Housing Initiative, delivered by
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Tla’amin Nation contributed $2.2 million.
“This investment of $8.7 million through the Rapid Housing Initiative means that Tla’amin Nation
elders and people with disabilities now have housing in their community that is safe, affordable and
culturally appropriate,” said the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and
Inclusion. “Every day, our government is working with Indigenous communities across British
Columbia to build housing for those who need it most—this is the National Housing Strategy at
work.”
The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) provides capital contributions to facilitate the rapid construction of
new housing and/or acquisition of existing buildings for the purpose of rehabilitation or conversion to
permanent affordable, supportive, or transitional housing. The objective is to quickly create new
permanent affordable housing units that support people who are vulnerable and prioritized under the
National Housing Strategy.
The first tenants move in this week.
Media Contact:
Davis McKenzie
Tla’amin Nation
778-834-7934
davis@becomingclear.ca
Shiraz Keushgerian
Office of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
Shiraz.Keushgerian@infc.gc.ca