A much-anticipated apartment complex has finally opened in Port Alberni.
Huupsitas, which translates to “side of a hill” in Nuu-chah-nulth, will provided 48 units of housing for seniors and people living with disabilities.
Located at 6161 Russell Pl., the five-storey building has 45 one-bedroom units and three, two-bedroom apartments. The WestCoast Native Health Care Society contributed the land for the building, which forms part of the five-acre Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens Campus of Care. The site is home to a 44-unit complex care facility and a 20-unit independent living apartment building.
Huupsitas provides independent seniors with the ability to age in place. Half the units have their rent geared to income where rent is 30 percent of the tenant’s income. Nine units will be rented to households with very low incomes, such as those receiving income or disability assistance or a basic senior’s pension. The remaining units will be rented at the low end of market rents, between $750 for a one-bedroom and $850 for a two-bedroom.
Ten of the units are fully wheelchair accessible, while the remaining units can be easily adapted if a tenant’s accessibility needs change in the future. The building is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.
“We are very pleased with the support from the provincial government to add to our campus of care,” said Derek Appleton, chair of the WestCoast Native Health Care Society. The provincial government, through BC Housing, provided approximately $5 million to the project through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund and will provide about $300,000 in annual operating funding.
“Residents in the existing affordable living apartments have had a life-changing experience moving into the new building where a community of tenants has formed. A home and a wholesome connection to other human beings is conducive to well-being for everyone.”
The opening of Huupsitas will ensure our seniors have access to affordable, stable housing and are able to age in place in a community they love, Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions said. “My gratitude goes out to the WestCoast Native Health Care Society who continue to do great work advocating for independent seniors and Indigenous elders in our community.”
