The Village of Canal Flats was able to buy a piece of land with the help of a Columbia Basin Trust grant, paving the way for future housing.
Village officials said the purchase allows Canal Flats to construct safe, affordable housing in the community.
“We have a great need for more housing in Canal Flats,” said Mayor Mark Doherty. “We have a lot of younger people who are working in Farimont and other places that are looking for somewhere to live.”
Officials said the project will also provide housing options for seniors.
“As our community ages, it is essential that we provide housing options that allow seniors to age in place with dignity and independence,” said the village. “We recognize the importance of supporting our seniors, and this project is a reflection of that commitment.”
The site is close to the local daycare, providing nearby access to childcare facilities.
Doherty said he hopes to see this development evolve into a community hub.
“We’re looking to create not only attainable housing but hopefully in the future, we’ll put in a seniors’ complex as well,” said Doherty. “It’s next to the arena, coffee shops, store, the post office. It’s pretty central to everything.”
Doherty believes this kind of development shows that Canal Flats has a bright future.
“I think it’s going to be a driving force to see more developments come to the community, as well as economic investment,” said Doherty. “We have a lot of areas that could be developed, so we’re hoping to see a lot more developments come our way.”
The Attainable Housing and Childcare Society project is still in the early phases, so there is no timeline as to when work will start just yet.