Renewal Development is partnering with Squamish Nation to rescue a North Vancouver home, which will be repurposed as emergency transitional housing for the Nation’s reserve near Lion’s Gate Bridge.
“This house will provide much-needed shelter to Squamish People in times of great need,” says Sxwixwtn Wilson Williams, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Spokesperson and Council Member. “It will be an inviting and safe place to stay in an emergency. For example, if someone experiences a fire in their current home or is going through other challenging life circumstances. We are very thankful to be able to add this home to our available housing for those in need.”
Renewal Development held a moving ceremony to lift and transport the house to its new location. Renewal is a Vancouver-based company that seeks to reduce waste and protect the environment by rescuing, relocating and repurposing homes that would otherwise be demolished.
“More than 2700 homes are torn down in Metro Vancouver annually to make space for higher density development. Yet 40 percent of these can be saved,” says Renewal Development CEO Glyn Lewis. “We are working hard to prove there are responsible alternatives to demolition while providing affordable homes to communities in need without having to build from scratch.”
The home is in the Edgemont neighbourhood of the District of North Vancouver. Councillor Lisa Muri, who brought a motion supporting such an initiative, praised the work of relocation.
“As a District, we want to see more of these innovative housing initiatives. By repurposing these homes we reduce waste, keep carbon out of the atmosphere and provide affordable housing,” says Councillor Muri. “We encourage developers and homeowners to explore and adopt similar responsible home removal solutions.” This partnership is the latest involving Renewal Development which was instrumental in moving the “Little Yellow Schoolhouse” from Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood to Squamish Nation in 2023.
Since 2020, Renewal Development has rescued and relocated almost 20 homes to various First Nations communities across British Columbia.
Comments
NOTE: The North Shore Daily Post welcomes your opinions and comments. We do not allow personal attacks, offensive language or unsubstantiated allegations. We reserve the right to edit comments for length, style, legality and taste and reproduce them in print, electronic or otherwise. For further information, please contact the editor or publisher, or see our Terms and Conditions.