Seventeen homes once destined for demolition in Port Moody have found new life on the Sunshine Coast, providing urgently needed affordable housing for the shíshálh Nation while setting a new standard for sustainable development and community empowerment.
Key Takeaways
- 17 formerly demolition-bound homes have been relocated and turned into affordable rentals for the shíshálh Nation.
- The project saved roughly one million kilograms of building material from landfills and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
- About 70% of the work was carried out by local shíshálh entrepreneurs, boosting skills and employment.
- The innovative effort has garnered both local and international recognition, including an architectural exhibition and an Indigenous leadership award.
Project Overview: From Demolition to Transformation
What began as a plan to destroy ten aging houses in Port Moody ended with a ground-breaking initiative. Working with Wesgroup, Vancouver’s Renewal Development salvaged the houses, transported them over land and water, and retrofitted them on the shíshálh Nation’s lands. Added basements under the relocated homes increased the total number of rental units to 17.
A Model for Sustainable Housing
This project stands out not just for its social impact but its environmental gains:
- Waste Diversion: Nearly one million kilograms of construction material were kept out of landfills.
- Emissions Reduction: Estimated greenhouse gas emissions fell by about 230,000 kilograms over the homes’ projected 60-year lifespan.
- Energy Upgrades: The retrofits made these older houses more energy efficient and longer lasting.
These achievements have sparked international interest, spotlighting the project at the 2025 International Architecture Exhibition in Venice.
Community Empowerment and Skills Development
Beyond addressing housing shortages, the initiative also strengthened the shíshálh economy. Approximately 70% of the project workforce came from within the Nation, thanks to a focus on using local contractors and training members in vital trade skills. This approach fostered job creation, skill-building, and greater self-sufficiency.
shíshálh leadership emphasized that the homes are about more than just shelter. The project reinforced cultural values and economic opportunity by keeping both construction jobs and investments within the community.
A Blueprint for the Future
As affordable housing remains scarce across British Columbia, the shíshálh project offers an innovative, scalable solution. The concept promises not only to ease housing shortages but also to contribute positive environmental and social returns—serving as a valuable model for other communities facing similar challenges.
