Kechi-o-wekowin Affordable Housing Ph 1
106 new homes for Indigenous Peoples as part of a multi-phase development
Kechi‑o‑wekowin Affordable Housing is a multi‑phased redevelopment led by Kekinow Native Housing Society, transforming an underutilized and aging townhouse site into a vibrant, higher‑density affordable housing community for Indigenous people. The project responds to a critical housing need in a city that is now home to the largest urban Indigenous population in what is now known as British Columbia.
The redevelopment will be delivered in two phases and will ultimately include three residential buildings, ranging from five to six storeys in height. Phase 1 will deliver 106 much‑needed affordable homes across two wood‑frame residential buildings, offering a mix of one‑, two‑, and three‑bedroom units.
Kechi‑o‑wekowin represents more than redevelopment—it is an investment in community stability, cultural continuity, and Indigenous‑led urban housing, designed to meet both today’s needs and the future growth of the community. The project reflects Kekinow’s long‑standing commitment to strengthening housing outcomes for Indigenous households through thoughtful intensification of existing sites.
With construction underway, Phase 1 is anticipated to complete in early 2028.
LAND
Located on the traditional land of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwantlen, Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, and Tsawwassen First Nations now known as Surrey, BC.
PEOPLE
TARGET POPULATION: Designed to accommodate a wide range of household types, supporting families, individuals, and intergenerational living while advancing long‑term, inclusive housing solutions for the community.
CLIENT + OPERATOR: Kekinow Native Housing Society
BUILDING
UNITS: 106 new homes (phase 1)
STATUS: Under construction with estimated completion in 2028
CULTURAL EXPRESSION: Indigenous designs will be featured on privacy screenings and sunshades.
FUNDING
LDM has supported the Society to secure funding for the project. This project (Phase 1) is funded through BC Housing’s Indigenous Housing Fund, with early funding support dating back to a 2019 IHF submission, and has required careful navigation of a complex municipal development and approvals process.
FUNDERS: Kekinow Native Housing Society, BC Housing’s Indigenous Housing Fund