Ken’ulh K’it Yikh will be the community’s first Indigenous-led housing project. The name Ken’ulh K’it Yikh means “wetland housing”.
Marisca Bakker
a day ago
Construction is set to begin on 37 new homes for Indigenous individuals, families and seniors on Main Street in Smithers.
The community celebrated the beginning of the construction phase of the project at the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Hall on July 31.
The development will be on the town-owned, 2.4 acre former LB Warner site on Main Street, near Tenth Ave. The gymnastics club will continue to have their gym on one side of the property and the apartment building will be on the other.
Ken’ulh K’it Yikh will be the community’s first Indigenous-led housing project. The name Ken’ulh K’it Yikh means “wetland housing”.
The project is funded by BC Housing and is being developed in partnership with the Town of Smithers through a long-term lease agreement with the municipality for the parcel of land.
According to a press release from the provincial government, the new development was designed in close consultation with the community to reflect the needs of those who will make it their home.
It will include culturally appropriate features, such as Indigenous art, a cultural amenity room, a healing room, a community kitchen, and larger unit sizes to accommodate families and intergenerational living.
Culturally safe programming, counselling and advocacy will also be available to tenants, including supports for individuals and families within the building, as well as, at the nearby friendship centre. A tenant support worker will be present during regular business hours.
It will be owned and operated by Dze L̲ K’ant Housing Society.
The three-storey building will consist of studio, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, in recognition of the high need for housing for off-reserve Indigenous families and seniors in Smithers.
Ten of the homes will be wheelchair accessible (six one-bedroom and four two-bedroom). An additional six one-bedroom units will be adaptable, allowing residents to remain in their homes as they age.
“Ken’ulh K’it Yikh is a by-Indigenous-for-Indigenous housing project guided by traditional values and principles,” said Annette Morgan, executive director, Dze L̲ K’ant Housing Society in a press release.
“Our approach to housing is rooted in culture and heritage. By centering Indigenous perspectives and leadership, our initiatives are culturally responsive to the unique needs of our community. We are proud to be creating a space that is more than shelter, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to our heritage.”
The Ken’ulh K’it Yikh’s cultural amenity room and community kitchen will be places to foster that sense of community and intergenerational connections among the tenants. These spaces will be used for a range of activities, events and workshops to support healing and well-being.
The project has been in the works for several years.
More than two years ago, the town demolished the old buildings on the site and remediated the contaminated soil from the B.C. Ministry of Transportation works yard having been previously located there.
The town agreed to demolish the buildings and remediate the land to help create more housing in the community. The cost to do that, at the town’s expense, was $650,000. It was paid for through the Northern Capital and Planning Grant.
Town council also made several amendments to bylaws to accommodate the project including a variance for parking and ornamental street lighting requirements for the development.
“The Town of Smithers is thrilled to see this project materialize; we are proud to have contributed to the site,” said Smithers Mayor Gladys Atrill. “This is the first Indigenous housing in Smithers and will fill a big gap in the community’s housing needs. Congratulations to the Dze L̲ K’ant housing team for bringing their vision to reality.”
Last year, West Fraser (PIR) donated $100,000 for the creation of a large piece of Indigenous art for the exterior of the new building and the development of a culturally-inspired children’s playground.
Completion of construction is expected in early 2026, with tenants moving in shortly after.
