Móytel Lalém
Affordable Homes for Indigenous and Black Elders and Families
Móytel Lalém 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.
LOCATION: On the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halkomelem speaking peoples, and home to the Qayqayt First Nation, also known as New Westminster, BC
STATUS: Completed summer 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