Ten new Port Hardy homes are move-in ready, built for healthcare workers to help bring back 24-hour emergency services in the North Island community.
Announced on Thursday, Columbia Court is an Indigenous-led housing initiative developed and delivered by the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations’ economic development arm K’awat’si Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) and built by the K’awat’si Construction Company (KCC).
“We are stepping forward to help address real challenges facing our neighbours and our region. This is what Indigenous-led development can achieve through partnership,” says Chief Leslie Walkus elected Chief of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations.
The nation partnered with the District of Port Hardy and Island Health to complete the project, and with Island Health acquiring the residential units for staff accommodation.
The 10 homes were built as a means to strengthen healthcare staff recruitment efforts by reducing housing barriers.
“Housing has become a real barrier. We see that everywhere across Canada and especially in B.C., and in particular in rural communities,” Cyrus Singh, CEO of told CHEK.
“I think there’s a bit of a shift in infrastructure now that healthcare is infrastructure now and businesses are starting to recognize that, the public sector as well.”
The rural community has struggled to keep the emergency room open 24/7 with staffing shortages.
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Currently the ER is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the fall, the community held a rally to get the hospital ER back to 24/7 hours.
READ: Port Hardy rallies to re-open hospital ER 24/7
“Access to appropriate housing is essential to ensuring we can attract and retain the health care professionals our communities depend on,” said Kim Kerrone, chief financial officer and vice-president of support services at Island Health.
“Columbia Court represents an important step in strengthening the health care workforce in the North Island.”
Singh adds “This project was developed by the nation, financed by the nation and developed with a specific need in mind in partnership with Island Health.”
The development is located at 7300 Columbia Street in Port Hardy, what Singh says is “literally a stone’s throw away from the hospital, a five-minute walk.”
No one has moved in to date, but the nation hopes that now that it’s built, they will come. And talks are underway with Island Health heading up recruitment.
“Island Health has indicated it will begin placing staff in the coming weeks as part of its
ongoing recruitment efforts for the North Island,” says the nation.
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