Housing Squamish acquires Tantalus Manor to protect affordable housing

Housing Squamish and Hiy̓ám̓ta Sḵ wx̱wú7mesh Housing Society (Hiy̓ám̓Housing) have announced the purchase of Tantalus Manor with support from the Province’s Rental Protection Fund. Tantalus Manor, the 40-unit multi-family apartment building at 1098 Wilson Crescent, provides secure and stable housing for seniors, families, and essential workers.

The building comprises large two- and three-bedroom units, ideal for moderate-income families. Rents in the building are, on average 60% below local market rents, making Tantalus Manor a critical community asset for affordable housing.

With several adjacent properties recently redeveloped and this property previously put up for sale, there was an acute risk that residents would be displaced, highlighting the urgency for preservation. “This purchase will protect vital affordable housing for current and future residents,” says Sarah Ellis, Executive Director of Housing Squamish. “We are so pleased to partner with Hiy̓ám̓Housing so that together we can provide housing options for families, seniors, and

Housing Squamish is expected to take over management of the property and will oversee maintenance and upgrades to the building to ensure tenant comfort and safety while ensuring that tenants continue to pay below-market rent.

Hiy̓ám̓Housing will partner with Housing Squamish in this effort, providing oversight and operational support. The purchase of Tantalus Manor is the first joint initiative under a Partnership Protocol between Hiy̓ám̓Housing and Housing Squamish, reflecting the two entities’ aligned vision, mission, and goals for serving their respective communities.

“This partnership will go a long way towards achieving our goal of securing affordable housing for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) People,” says Donalene Rapada, CEO of Hiy̓ám̓Housing. “We will continue to work hard so that our people have housing in Squamish so they can stay or come home to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.”

The Rental Protection Fund provided more than $4.6 million in equity and more than $1 million in renewal grants towards the purchase of Tantalus ManorSquamish Nation members now and in the future.”