Construction begins on 76-unit rental building in Dentville

Construction is underway at 76-unit rental housing project in Dentville.

Sea to Sky Community Services Society will operate the new homes located at 38648, Buckley Avenue, next to the  existing skateboard park, just north and west of Howe Sound Secondary School.

The building is scheduled to open in summer 2022.

The five-storey development will feature a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom rental homes for people with low to moderate incomes.

On a 2-bedroom unit, for example, rents will range from $570 on deep subsidy, $910 for rent geared to income, and $1170 for CMHC market units in the building.

Each apartment has its own deck/balcony as private outdoor space.

A small public park with playground is also provided, and an existing skateboard park located on the site will remain.

The district is leasing the land to the society at a nominal rate for a period of 60 years.

The site will also include a Foundry Centre, which will provide young people ages 12 to 24 and their families access to mental health care, substance-use services, primary care, social services and peer supports.

The society is receiving $8 million in capital funding from the Province’s Building BC: Community Housing Fund.

On Friday, Feb. 26, at 2 pm, Squamish Nation members will perform a traditional Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) blessing ceremony, acknowledging the land and partnership of the housing project and Foundry Sea to Sky.

“Not only does the project provide 76 affordable rental units to Squamish residents who need it most, but it will also provide an important resource for Squamish youth,” said Mayor Karen Elliott.

Jaye Russell, executive director, Sea to Sky Community Services Society, said she is grateful to partners at Squamish Nation for offering a traditional Skwxwú7mesh land blessing to both acknowledge and set the intention for the partnership between BC Housing, the District of Squamish, Foundry and Sea to Sky Community Services Society.