Skip to Main Content
Skip to Navigation
Accessibility Statement

Declaration Act

4.25

Work with Indigenous Peoples to build more on- and off-reserve housing and pursue new federal contributions.

Ministry of Housing

Year

1

How far along
is this work?

3

How complicated
is this work?

3

Are there
challenges?

4

How are we
working together?

Highlights

Budget 2023 and the new Homes for People action plan announced the Province’s commitment to provide $1.3 billion over ten years (2023-2033) to double the construction of new Indigenous housing units from 1,750 to 3,500. This is on top of the $550 million over 10 years to invest in Indigenous housing provided through Indigenous Housing Fund (IHF). As of March 31, 2023, 87% of the original goal has been achieved.

The IHF is aimed at Indigenous families, seniors, individuals and persons living with a disability both on- and off-reserve. B.C. became the first province in Canada to invest provincial housing funds on-reserve, which is federal jurisdiction. Since 2018, BC Housing opened all Building BC funding programs to applications from Indigenous people.

Indicators

  • Number of new social housing units: 1,519 units of new social housing units completed or underway as of March 31, 2023.
  • Number of other Indigenous affiliated units: 1,084 units through the Community Housing Fund; 275 units through the Supportive Housing Fund; 55 units through the Women’s Transitional Housing Fund; and 261 units through the Deep Affordability Program underway or completed as of March 31, 2023.

How are we working together?

BC Housing has been engaging Indigenous partners and sector organizations over many years on strategic initiatives, such as the development of its reconciliation strategy and Indigenous design guidelines. BC Housing will be sustaining such strategic engagements as it finalizes its formal Reconciliation Strategy and moves into more collaboration and co-creation with communities as it implements the various strategy actions.

BC Housing continues to consult with Indigenous partners on active and proposed projects and meets to discuss housing opportunities both on and off reserve. One example is the shelter and supportive housing located at 1275 7th Avenue in Hope. BC Housing has been engaging with First Nation communities and the First Nations Health Authority to ensure services, design and opportunities for cultural practices are made available for Indigenous tenants and shelter guests.

Are there challenges?

This action item was identified as having no challenges at time of reporting. Further Annual Report updates may change this action’s challenge icon status indicator.