By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Osoyoos Indian Band members and Osoyoos residents will have access to 43 new affordable rental homes with the opening of mxitp Cedar Lane Apartments.
Located at 4931 Cedar Lane on Osoyoos Indian Band land, the five-story building includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. Some units are fully wheelchair accessible to support people with disabilities. The name mxitp means “cedar” in nsyilxcən, the language of the Syilx Suknaqinx people, honouring the local culture and environment.
Each unit has a private outdoor space, either a balcony or patio, and a heat-pump system to keep indoor temperatures cool during hot summers. Residents will also have access to shared amenities, including a community gathering space, children’s play area, community garden, outdoor seating areas, central laundry and bike and scooter parking. The building is also close to shops, parks and services, and is located along a main transportation corridor.
“The Osoyoos Indian Band is proud to help ease the housing pressures in the Osoyoos region,” said Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) Chief Clarence Louie. “Housing is one of the top priorities of all levels of government and mxitp Cedar Lane Apartments will help workers find affordable accommodations.”
Wolf Creek Housing Society, a non-profit organization owned by the OIB, will own and operate the building. Residents are expected to begin moving in by late October 2025. Mary Wilber, chair, Wolf Creek Housing Society said she was exited to see the new rental housing for families in the Osoyoos area come to fruition. “It is our hope to be good stewards and provide safe housing for all,” she added.
Noting that Osoyoos collaborates with the Osoyoos Indian Band on many areas of common interest and benefit, including housing, Sue McKortoff, Mayor of Osoyoos said “Both local residents and those who support our tourism industry desperately need affordable housing. Osoyoos Indian Band’s and BC Housing’s work to complete and open Cedar Lane Apartments is greatly appreciated and benefits us all.”
Participants in the opening ceremony, including members of the Oliver and Osoyoos Councils along with Clarence Louie, Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band cut the ribbon to officially open the housing project.
Contributed photo
“The new homes in Osoyoos will help families, seniors and workers stay connected to their community, close to work and people they love,” said Christine Boyle, B.C. Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “We’re proud to support Indigenous-led housing solutions that reflect local needs and values, and we’re committed to delivering more homes like these throughout the province.
“These much-needed homes will offer more people in Osoyoos the peace of mind that comes from having a roof over your head,” said Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) and MP for Kelowna, on behalf of Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
“Our government is proud to be working in partnership with Indigenous governments and other levels of government to make sure people have access to affordable and secure housing in the community they call home.”
These homes are part of the Province’s $19 billion housing investment.
