The Housing Department supports community members in meeting their housing needs, whether they are homeowners or renters. The department also assists members who are interested in becoming homeowners and provides education and guidance on housing-related matters to help ensure safe, stable, and sustainable living environments.
Rental
Units
There are currently 21 rental units that were built by XFN through CMHC or private mortgagees through All Nations Trust. Although the home mortgages are paid off, they are remain band rental units. The housing department shares maintenance responsibilities with the tenant.
Home
Ownership
The Housing Department can help members become homeowners. Renters can apply for a rent-to-own unit should they want to make that transition. Candidates must have paid their rent on time and in full with no outstanding debt to the band and have lived there for the length of the mortgage. For non-renters, the department can assist with everything from lot application to a ministerial loan process, a bank mortgage or a homeowner grant.
Lot
Development
More of our members would like to move home than we currently have housing for. The Housing Department is actively working on developing new lots. Due to legislative restrictions, when the band “sells” lots you’re buying a right-to-occupy. The lands are considered Indigenous Lands under the Indian Act, although that would change if Treaty were to be passed. Certificates of Possession were allotted in the past to First Nations but aren’t common now except for among First Nations that have gone through Treaty.
The Housing Alliance at Northern Shuswap Tribal Council identified the need for a common Housing Policy, so working with a consultant through Northern Shuswap Tribal Council in 2006 it was developed to better meet the needs of the communities. Therefore, the Housing Department is actively using this policy within our community.
Documents
Housing Request Form
We’re working through the backlog of Housing requests. To ensure housing issues are addressed fairly and that your concern isn’t missed, please complete the following form rather than calling the Housing Department. Any callers to the Band regarding Housing will be asked to complete this form until the backlog has been cleared.