Kechi-o-wekowin Affordable Housing Ph 1
Multi-Phase Development for Indigenous Peoples
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, located on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples in what is now known as Surrey. 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. This diverse unit mix is 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.
LOCATION: On the traditional land of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwantlen, Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, and Tsawwassen First Nations now known as Surrey, BC
STATUS: Under Construction
CLIENT: Kekinow Native Housing Society
FUNDERS: Kekinow Native Housing Society, BC Housing’s Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund
OPERATOR: Kekinow Native Housing Society
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. The redevelopment reflects Kekinow’s long‑standing commitment to strengthening housing outcomes for Indigenous households through thoughtful intensification of existing sites.
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.
With construction underway, Phase 1 is anticipated to complete in early 2028.
