Affordable homes open for Indigenous people in Alberni Valley

Oct. 17, 2025

PORT ALBERNI – Indigenous people in the Alberni Valley will have access to 35 new affordable rental homes as the Citaapi Mahtii housing development opens in Port Alberni.

“These homes reflect the strength of partnership and the importance of community-led housing solutions,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “We’re proud to support the Ahousaht First Nation in creating safe, affordable homes that honour the needs of families and Elders. We will continue working alongside First Nations to support housing that meets the needs of their communities.”

The four-storey wood-frame building at 4210 Cedarwood St. features a mix of homes ranging from studios to four-bedroom units. These options allows individuals, seniors, families and intergenerational families to build new connections and strengthen community bonds. The site also includes a playground, outdoor gathering centre and a cultural centre for teachings, activities, events and celebrations.

“The Maaqtusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS) and the Hawiih of Ahousaht are deeply honoured and excited to see this vision come to fruition. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations for welcoming our Nation into their ha-houlthee. Your generosity and respect embody the strength of our shared teachings and the spirit of community that connects us all along the coast,” said Ahousaht Hawiih. “With this milestone, Ahousaht will now have a place in Port Alberni, a space for our people to gather, connect and build community. A big kleco, kleco to Tawiinism – Greg Louie and his team for their hard work and dedication in bringing this vision to life. On behalf of the Hawiih and the Maaqutusiis Stewardship Society — chuu and kleco, kleco to everyone who helped make this possible.”

The building is owned and operated by Citaapi Mahtii Housing Society and will primarily serve members of Ahousaht First Nation with low and moderate incomes. It’s within walking distance of a playground, recreation centre and high school. Services and amenities, including public transit, parks, a public library, grocery stores and medical facilities, are also nearby.

“On behalf of Citaapi Mahtii Housing Society (CMHS), we are delighted to announce the grand opening of our beautiful apartment complex,” said Greg W. Louie, president, CMHS board. “CMHS is so thankful to Ahousaht, BC Housing, AHMA, IWCD, DYS and all our partners for supporting the success of this amazing project. Huge thanks to the CMHS board for their unwavering dedication.”

People are expected to begin moving into their new homes in November 2025. This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway, including approximately 570 homes in Port Alberni.

Quotes:

Josie Osborne, MLA, Mid Island-Pacific Rim –

“It has been inspiring to witness the leadership and perseverance of the Citaapi Mahtii Housing Society as they bring to life a vision of community, security and belonging for Ahousaht members living in Port Alberni. I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who made these 35 new homes possible, and I’m proud to be part of a provincial government that is supporting Indigenous-led housing solutions and the creation of safe, welcoming places to call home.”

Sharie Minions, mayor, Port Alberni –

“Citaapi Mahtii is a welcome addition to our community and improves housing accessibility in the Alberni Valley. These homes not only provide stability for people, they help foster connection, culture and belonging. We will continue to work toward a future where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.”

Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) –

“We raise our hands to the incredible work of AHMA member Citaapi Mahtii for forming their Indigenous-led housing society and building culturally grounded urban housing, mainly for Ahousaht First Nation members who need to live closer to health care and community services. We look to support more exceptional accomplishments like this across B.C.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through BC Housing, contributed $6.4 million for the project:
  • $4.2 million from the Building B.C.: Community Housing Fund;
  • $2.2 million in a cost-pressure grant.
• The Province is also providing nearly $460,000 in annual operating funding.
• The City of Port Alberni provided the land, valued at almost $600,000.

Learn More:

To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/homesforpeople

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC

To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast

Contacts:

Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Media Relations
hmamedia@gov.bc.ca

BC Housing
Media Relations
media@bchousing.org

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