Estítkw Place
Affordable Rapid Housing with Supports for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
Estítkw Place (Safe Place) provides 54 units of safe and affordable long-term rental homes with wrap-around supports. Estítkw Place is located in Capilano in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. The design process was expedited, utilizing innovative, rapid modular construction so that the project could house the Nation members who need it the most as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) was responsible for the development management and construction claims management the project and worked with incredibly fast development and construction timelines. Prior be allowed to develop the site on-reserve, Hiy̓ám Housing Society had to secure a land designation. LDM helped the Society navigate the complex land designation process mandated by Indigenous Services Canada that included a Nation-wide member referendum to use the land to build affordable housing.
The development features a multi-purpose amenity space, a community art mural, cedar pole, woven blanket and integrates Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language inside and outside. This project will help fulfill Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw’s vision to house all of its members within a generation and will bring members back into the community in a culturally-integrated and supported way.
Estítkw Place is a 4-storey modular building featuring a mix of studios and one-bedrooms. It provides 54 units with built-in services to support people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQAI+, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and people with mental health or substance use issues.
LOCATION: Capilano in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, also known as West Vancouver, BC
STATUS: Completed and occupied in 2023
CLIENT: Hiy̓ám ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society
FUNDERS: CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative and Squamish Nation
OPERATOR: Hiy̓ám ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society