The Squamish Nation reserve housing policy is under review.
About 2,400 Squamish Nation members, or 60 per cent, live on the reserve, according to Paul Wick, Squamish Nation department head.
Two weeks ago, a forum on housing policy was held in North Vancouver, where members provided input on changes they would like to see. Wick said he didn’t know what type of feedback members provided at that meeting.
The review is in its early stages, Wick said. The nation’s administration and chiefs and council will take all comments from that forum into consideration and those with membership support will be reviewed for possible implementation, Wick said.
Reserve housing is handled in a way that is unique to Canadian First Nations, according to Wick.
To get housing on the reserve, members apply to be put on the housing list, and the Nation’s chiefs and council allocate homes and homes to be built based on available funds and serviced lots on which to build. Members who are chosen for a home pick the location and home plan they prefer.
Like a general contractor, The Squamish Nation housing department builds the home. There are no costs to members, unless they want add-ons to the home that were not in the original plans, according to Wick.
The Squamish Nation does not pay moving costs.
When the review is complete, the Squamish Nation’s homebuilding plan will be updated, Wick said.
