Our Projects
Colwood Indigenous Family Housing
Affordable Housing for Indigenous Families and Individuals
The Colwood Indigenous Family Housing development provides 124 much-needed affordable units in Greater Victoria, home to BC’s second largest urban Indigenous population.
Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) was responsible for the development management and construction claims management for this unique, design-build project that required fast funding approvals through BC Housing. LDM successfully expedited the project timeline – overseeing the Indigenous Housing Fund funding announcement, registering the mortgage, and starting construction in 6 months. The project was delivered under budget, despite construction and occupancy delays that resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic.
LDM also supported the artist procurement process. The building features a site-specific artwork created by Darlene Gait of the Esquimalt First Nation. “Healing Moon” depicts four wolves, representing the four corners of the earth and a shining copper moon sending powerful medicine to those in need. The building also features a pole, donated by the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and carved by Edward Johnson, which was raised on June 23, 2022, with LDM’s assistance.
The 6-storey building features 124 units, including 70 one-bedroom, 42 two-bedroom, 12 three-bedroom apartments with rents geared to income. The development also includes a 2-level parking garage, large landscaped outdoor green space and patio, and an indoor amenity space.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
Artist Procurement Support
LOCATION: Colwood in Greater Victoria, BC on the traditional territory of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations
STATUS: Completed and occupied in 2021
CLIENT: Aboriginal Land Trust Society
PARTNER: Huu-ay-aht First Nations assisted with tenant selection
FUNDER: BC Housing’s Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund
OPERATOR: Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society
ARCHITECT: dHKarchitects
CONSTRUCTION: Yellowridge Construction
Sp'óq'es Lá:lém (Bird’s Nest/House)
Rental Housing for Urban Indigenous Families and Individuals
Sp'óq'es Lá:lém sits on land purchased by Lu’ma Native Housing Society to build low end market rental units to meet the organization’s mandate to provide homes for Indigenous people across the housing continuum.
The project began as a market developer driven project at the Development Permit stage. Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) was responsible for managing the process of acquiring and purchasing the property from the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation. LDM also oversaw the design and municipal permitting process to adapt the project to meet the Society’s rental guidelines and the funder’s budgetary constraints.
LDM also supported the artist procurement process, as well as the blessing ceremony and traditional copper plate burial that were held on the site prior to the start of construction to honour the land and connect its past to its future.
The 4-storey, 23 unit rental building features a combination of studio, one- and two-bedroom units. It is located on a bus route and features a rooftop gathering space.
The building features artwork created by Cory Douglas that tells the First Nations legend of the Moon, the night guardian of the earth, and celebrates its power to provide guidance and vision.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
Artist Procurement Support
LOCATION: Vancouver, BC on the traditional territory of the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples
STATUS: Completed and occupied in 2021
CLIENT: Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society
FUNDERS: CMHC’s Rental Construction Financing Initiative Program and BC Housing
OPERATOR: Lu’ma Native Housing Society
ARCHITECT: SUVA Architecture Inc.
CONSTRUCTION: Cape Construction
Chief Agnes McCoy Centre
Below Market Rental Housing for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Families, Elders and Individuals
The Chief Agnes MᶜCoy Centre was named in honour of the late Agnes MᶜCoy, an elected Chief and respected Elder from ʔaq̓am and one of the founders of the Aqanttanam Housing Society. It provides stable quality rental housing for independent Indigenous and non-Indigenous families, Elders and individuals who cannot afford market rental rates.
Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) was responsible for the development management and construction claims management. LDM helped Aqanttanam Housing Society organize an open house and public hearing for the site, which resulted in an amendment of the Official Community Plan and a change in the bylaw zoning that enabled the project to move forward.
The 3-storey wood-frame building includes 39 units, including 4 accessible apartments. The units on the first floor have doors that lead directly onto the deck and the 2nd and 3rd floor units all have balconies that open to the outside.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
LOCATION: Within the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation near Cranbrook, BC
STATUS: Completed and occupied in 2021
CLIENT: Aqanttanam Housing Society
FUNDERS: BC Housing’s Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund and Columbia Basin Trust
OPERATOR: Aqanttanam Housing Society
ARCHITECT: Meiklejohn Architects
CONSTRUCTION: Yellowridge Construction
Sohkeyah
Affordable Homes for Indigenous Peoples
Surrey is home to the largest number of urban Indigenous people per capita in the province - a community population in desperate need of affordable housing. Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) worked with Kekinow Native Housing Society to redevelop an existing 33-unit townhouse complex that was aging and deteriorating.
Once complete, Sohkeyah (translated as Robin’s Nest) will include three buildings with 177 units, thereby substantially increasing the number of units that the Society can provide. The new buildings will feature new, modern affordable units in a range of household sizes and configurations to better serve the diverse community.
Sohkeyah features a mix of studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom homes. The 177-unit development will also include amenity rooms, shared kitchens and lounge areas. The outdoor space will feature play areas and pathways that encircle the site to encourage interactions between Elders and children.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
Artist Procurement Support
LOCATION: Surrey, BC, located on the shared, unneeded traditional territory of the Katzie, Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and other Coast Salish Peoples.
STATUS: Phase 1 - Completed and occupied in 2019; Phase 2 - Under construction
CLIENT: Kekinow Native Housing Society
FUNDERS: BC Housing’s Building BC: Community Housing Fund, Metro Vancouver, Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society
OPERATOR: Kekinow Native Housing Society
ARCHITECT: Patrick Stewart Architect (Phase 1) and NSDA Architects (Phase 2)
CONSTRUCTION: Darwin Construction (Phase 1) and Ventana Construction Corp. (Phase 2)
Chenḵw em̓út Multi-Generational Housing
Affordable Housing for Squamish Nation Families, Elders and Youth
Chenḵw em̓út will provide safe, long-term rental homes for Squamish elders, youth, and families. The design of the 95-unit development is based on the traditional Squamish longhouse and will help foster and promote intergenerational relationships among residents.
Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) oversaw the development management and construction claims management for the project and assisted in Artist procurement support. Prior to developing the on-reserve site, LDM assisted Hiy̓ám ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society navigate and proceeds with a land designation, a complex process mandated by Indigenous Services Canada that included a Nation-wide member referendum to designate the land for affordable housing use.
Chenḵw em̓út will include 95 apartment and townhouse units of mixed sizes to accommodate Squamish members at all different stages of their lives. The project will also feature a community garden for growing food and medicinal plants, as well as a co-operative grocery store that will feature Squamish-made artisanal goods.
Located in the heart of Xwmelch’stn village, the historic site has been continuously inhabited by the Squamish Nation for thousands of years. Prior to construction, the site received a traditional blessing and underwent archeological monitoring.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
LOCATION: Capilano in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, also known as North Vancouver, BC
STATUS: Under construction with occupancy expected in 2024
CLIENT: Hiy̓ám ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society
PARTNERS: Squamish Nation and Squamish Nation Trust
FUNDERS: BC Housing’s Building BC: Community Housing Fund, Indigenous Services Canada, and CMHC’s Seed Funding and Co-Investment Funding
OPERATOR: Hiy̓ám ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society
ARCHITECT: Urban Arts Architecture
CONSTRUCTION: Ventana Construction Corp.
ENGAGEMENT: Ideaspace Consulting Inc. and Sky Spirit Studio
Estítkw Place and Eskékxwi7ch tl’a Sp’ákw’us Place
Affordable Rapid Housing with Supports for Squamish Nation
Together, Estítkw Place (Safe Place) and Eskékxwi7ch tl’a Sp’ákw’us Place (Gathering Place for Eagles) will provide a total of 82 units of safe and affordable long-term rental homes with wrap-around supports. Estítkw Place is located in Capilano and Eskékxwi7ch tl’a Sp’ákw’us Place is located in Squamish Valley. The design process was expedited, utilizing innovative, rapid modular construction so that the two projects 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 on both projects and worked with incredibly fast development and construction timelines. Prior be allowed to develop the the two sites 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.
Both developments feature multi-purpose amenity spaces, a community art mural, cedar pole, woven blanket and integrate Squamish language inside and outside. These projects will help fulfill Squamish Nation’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 will provide 55 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.
Eskékxwi7ch tl’a Sp’ákw’us Place is a 5-storey modular building featuring 27 studios, one- and two-bedroom units. It will provide safe, long-term rental homes for women and their children.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
Artist Procurement Support
LOCATION: Capilano and Siy̓ ích’em in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, also known as North Vancouver and Squamish Valley, BC
STATUS: Under construction with occupancy expected in 2023
CLIENT: Hiy̓ám ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society
FUNDERS: CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative and Squamish Nation
OPERATOR: Hiy̓ám ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society
ARCHITECT: DIALOG Architecture
CONSTRUCTION: Kindred Construction Ltd. (pre-construction and construction); NUQO Modular (wood modular units)
ENGAGEMENT: Ideaspace Consulting Inc.
CULTURE AND ART ADVISORY: Modern Formline
Witset Passive House
Environmentally Sustainable and Affordable Housing for Witsuwitʼen Members
Located in northwest BC, Witset First Nation was experiencing a serious housing crisis on their reserve. The newly constructed Witset Passive House helped address this need by supplying 26 affordable housing units for Witsuwit’en singles, couples, families and Elders.
The sustainable building meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. During the construction of the facility, 40 local residents received Passive House construction training.
Witset Passive House features 16 studios and 10 two-bedrooms, including 3 fully accessible units. The project also includes a communal kitchen, counseling space, office space and boardroom. Residents can also gather outside year-round in a covered lounge with a fire pit. Local artwork is also integrated throughout the building.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
LOCATION: Witset First Nation, located in northwest BC
STATUS: Completed and occupied 2022
CLIENT: Witset First Nation
FUNDER: BC Housing’s Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund
OPERATOR: Yikh Lhiw Dinle Housing Society
ARCHITECT: Cornerstone Architecture
CONSTRUCTION: Yellowridge Construction
Tzeachten Affordable Family Housing
On-Reserve Family Housing for Tzeachten First Nation
Tzeachten First Nation identified a need to build affordable housing on their lands to provide more opportunities for Nation members to return to live on-reserve and participate in community life. The Tzeachten Affordable Family Housing project provides rental homes for band members with moderate and low incomes.
Despite the accelerated schedule and the Covid-19 pandemic, LDM ensured that the development and construction was completed on time and on budget. LDM and Mierau Contractors worked alongside Tzeachten members to develop, for the first time ever, an asset management plan for the project. LDM also assisted Tzeachten First Nation submit successful applications to secure funding.
Tzeachten Housing and Operations staff visited the site bi-weekly throughout the construction phase to observe and document the mechanical systems, so that they could form a deep understanding of the building and plan for future maintenance. This unique, innovative, and collaborative approach enabled staff to draft a policy and operations manual as warranties and schedules were being collected.
The project includes 23 one-, two- and three-bedrooms homes across 5 separate buildings. The larger units are designed to accommodate large families and support intergenerational living.
Storage, work spaces, and shared amenities help make this development livable and welcoming.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
LOCATION: Tzeachten First Nation, located in the Upper Fraser Valley region near Chilliwack, BC
STATUS: Completed and occupied in 2022
CLIENT: Tzeachten First Nation
FUNDERS: BC Housing’s Building BC: Community Housing Fund, CMHC’s Seed Fund, Indigenous Services Canada, and First Nations Finance Authority (this was the first housing project in BC to receive Indigenous financing through the FNFA)
OPERATOR: Tzeachten First Nation
ARCHITECT: Station One Architects
CONSTRUCTION: Mierau Contractors Ltd.
Bringing Our Children Home Longhouse
Affordable Housing for Children, Youth and Single Parents
Gitxsan Child & Family Services Society (GCFSS) identified a significant need for housing for children in care, youth aging out of care, and single parents fleeing violence with their children. The Bringing Our Children Home Longhouse provides affordable housing for some of Gitxsan's most vulnerable people and incorporates a strong support program for youth transitioning into adulthood by offering life skills training, cultural support, education, employment, safety and oversight.
The unique building design is based on a traditional longhouse and brings together townhouse units, a group home and independent living units. Each of the separate projects have their own entrance and address, but coexist under one shared roof.
Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) provided development management and construction claims management for the project. Prior to developing the site, LDM supported the Nation to complete the required land designation with Indigenous Services Canada. Prior to starting construction, LDM also helped coordinate a ground-blessing and ground-breaking ceremony.
The development features 15 units with 3 three-bedroom townhomes to accommodate women and children. It also includes a 6-bed group home for children in care and 6 independent living units for youth aging out of care.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
LOCATION: Sik-E-Dakh (Glen Vowell Band), located on the Skeena River near Hazelton, BC
STATUS: Under construction with completion expected in 2023
CLIENT: Gitxsan Child and Family Services Society
FUNDER: BC Housing’s Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund
OPERATOR: Gitxsan Child and Family Services Society
ARCHITECT: Patrick Stewart Architect
CONSTRUCTION: Yellowridge Design Build Ltd.
Indigenous Housing and Healing Centre
Multi-purpose Building with Urban Indigenous Housing, Supports and a Healing Centre
The Indigenous Housing and Healing Centre aims to re-establish a First Nations presence in the Downtown Eastside in a way that is bold and inspiring. The multi-purpose development supports Indigenous individuals and families by providing 112 affordable rental units, support services, and a 32,000 square foot Healing Centre in one building.
The Healing Centre will offer a holistic approach to wellness focused on the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental elements of well-being and a two-eyed approach to healing that blends Indigenous and Western medicine. It also includes a Food Centre with a commercial kitchen and dining hall, offices, staff and meeting rooms and amenity spaces.
The site for this development was complex and included a pre-existing building with structural entanglements with an adjacent building, which required Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) to conduct a site analysis and provide recommendations to the client. LDM also worked closely with the project funders and lenders, design team, and construction manager to shepherd the design through a difficult construction budget environment to secure the necessary funding.
Designed to welcome everyone with dignity, respect, honour and love, the building offers a safe and inclusive space. The design, inspired by a longhouse wrapped in a blanket, was the result of a unique visioning process that involved community workshops led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers from the host Nations.
The development will provide 112 new homes, including 59 rental units for Indigenous families with lower incomes and 53 supportive studio units to house vulnerable populations.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
LOCATION: Vancouver, BC on the traditional territory of the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples
STATUS: Under construction with completion expected in 2025
CLIENT: Aboriginal Land Trust Society
FUNDERS: BC Housing’s Indigenous Housing Fund, CMHC’s Co-Investment Fund, Indigenous Services Canada, and City of Vancouver
OPERATORS: Lu’ma Native Housing Society, Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society, and RainCity Housing and Support Society
ARCHITECT: Urban Arts Architecture
CONSTRUCTION: ITC Group
ENGAGEMENT: Ideaspace Consulting Inc.
Sixth Street Indigenous and Swahili Housing
Affordable Homes for Indigenous and Black Elders and Families
Sixth Street Indigenous and Swahili Housing is a multi-generational and multicultural development that addresses a need for housing for two of the most underserved communities in New Westminster – urban Indigenous people and people of African descent.
Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) worked with Aboriginal Land Trust Society to acquire the land and secure financing in advance of final project approvals by BC Housing and CMHC. LDM also assisted Aboriginal Land Trust with the take-over of the properties and coordinated the land consolidation in advance of finalizing project funding and starting construction. LDM also worked closely with the City of New Westminster to finalize a Housing Agreement and funding from the City’s Affordable Housing Fund. LDM also helped coordinate a copper plate burial ceremony prior to the start of construction to guide, protect and bless all those occupying the site.
The development features 96 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and includes an amenity room with a full kitchen, washroom and storage room. The outdoor space includes a large terrace with seating, dining area, barbecue hookups, a multi-use exercise space and a children’s play area.
The building reflects a traditional way of communal living, providing opportunities for Elders, families and young people to support and learn from one another. The building and landscaping incorporate Indigenous and Swahili art, Indigenous plants, and other cultural elements.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
LOCATION: New Westminster, on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halkomelem speaking peoples, and home to the Qayqayt First Nation
STATUS: Under construction with completion expected in 2024
CLIENT: Aboriginal Land Trust Society
PARTNER: Swahili Vision International Association
FUNDERS: BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund and CMHC’s Seed Fund/Co-Investment Fund
OPERATORS: Lu’ma Native Housing Society and Swahili Vision International Association
ARCHITECT: RLA Architects
CONSTRUCTION: VanMar Construction
ENGAGEMENT: Ideaspace Consulting Inc.
ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye Elders and Disabled Housing
Affordable Housing for Indigenous Elders and Individuals with Disabilities
ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye Elders and Disabled Housing is an accessible, modular housing development designed for Tla’amin Nation’s Elders and individuals with disabilities. It will house vulnerable members of the community, many of whom are at the risk of homelessness or occupying homes that are in need of major repairs.
Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) was responsible for managing the development process and construction claims for this project. While this is an independent living project, the residents will benefit from the building’s proximity to the Tla’amin Community Health Centre, which provides a full range of primary, secondary, and tertiary health services for Nation members.
All 24 units in ƛaχƛaχay ʔaye Elders and Disabled Housing are accessible with full wheelchair access and accessibility features, such as grab bars, integrated into the design. Three units will provide fully universal accessibility, including lower kitchen counters, wheel-in showers, and accessible mounting heights and clearances.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
LOCATION: Teeshohsum Reserve, Tla’amin Nation, located near Powell River, BC
STATUS: Under construction with completion expected in 2023
CLIENT: Tla’amin Nation
FUNDER: CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative
OPERATOR: Tla’amin Nation Legacy Society
ARCHITECT: Urban Arts Architecture
CONSTRUCTION: Converge Construction Ltd.
Lu’ma Main
Social Housing for Indigenous Individuals Experiencing Homelessness or at Risk of Homelessness
Lu’ma Main is a 6-storey, mixed-use development featuring a ground level retail space and 26 units of social housing. Owned and operated by Lu’ma Native Housing Society the development provides residents with Indigenous support services including access to culturally-integrated health care, access to traditional Elders and healers, counseling support and social navigators, as well as traditional drumming circles and ceremonies.
Prior to construction, Lu’ma Development Management (LDM) successfully addressed challenges with soil remediation and stability concerns of the neighbouring building. LDM was also responsible for overseeing the public art component, which includes two custom artworks by Marissa Nahanee including Kayatch’tn (a welcome figure) and Eagle Eye that grace the front and rear of the building.
Lu’ma Main is a 6-storey, mixed-use building featuring 25 studio units, 1 one-bedroom unit, and ground level retail space. The building is conveniently located on a transit route, close to the Skytrain, green space, and a bustling commercial hub.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT:
Development Management
Construction Claims Management
Artist Procurement Support
LOCATION: Vancouver, BC on the traditional territory of the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples
STATUS: Completed and occupied since 2021
CLIENT: Lu’ma Native Housing Society
FUNDERS: BC Housing and CMHC jointly through the Social Infrastructure Fund, Government of Canada’s Reaching Home Program, and MariaMarina Foundation. Land provided by the City of Vancouver.
OPERATOR: Lu’ma Native Housing Society
ARCHITECT: Patrick Stewart Architect
CONSTRUCTION: Yellowridge Design Build Ltd.
Affordable Women’s Transitional Housing Project
Safe and Affordable Homes for Indigenous Women and Children
Wahbung Abinoonjiiag was established in 1994 with a mandate to empower children and their families to end the cycle of violence through domestic violence prevention, crisis intervention and healing. The Affordable Women’s Transitional Housing Project was designed and will operate from an Indigenous perspective, providing services through a collaborative partnered approach. The units are large enough to accommodate families and rents will be affordable and geared towards families receiving Employment and Income Assistance.
The Affordable Women’s Transitional Housing Project is a 4-storey building featuring a mix of 3- and 4-bedroom units to accommodate larger families. The main floor of the building also includes a commercial kitchen, shared amenity space, and communal indoor and outdoor areas.
LDM’S ROLE ON THE PROJECT: Development Management
LOCATION: Winnipeg, on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dene, Dakota, and the birthplace of the Métis Nation
STATUS: Under construction with completion expected in 2023
CLIENT: Wahbung Abinoonjiiag Inc.
FUNDER: CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative
OPERATOR: Wahbung Abinoonjiiag Inc.
ARCHITECT: A49 Architecture
CONSTRUCTION: Graham Construction