VANCOUVER — Indigenous Elders, families and individuals in Vancouver have begun moving into 81 new homes, following the opening of a new building named in honour of the late Chief Leonard George of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
Located at 1766 Frances St., the project was delivered through a partnership between BC Housing, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the City of Vancouver and the BC Indigenous Housing Society.
The nine-storey building replaces a 27-unit property that was severely damaged by fire in 2017, explains a release. The redevelopment created 54 net‑new homes and offers former residents the opportunity to return.
Homes range in size from studios to four-bedroom units. Amenities include a child care facility on the first floor. The society owns and operates the new homes with support from the Aboriginal Housing Management Association. Residents began moving into the building in March 2026.
According to the release, the building’s design and construction techniques weave local Indigenous culture throughout the project. Its exterior façade draws inspiration from Coast Salish cedar basket weaving, symbolizing the interweaving of generations. The cedar tree provided essentials for life to the Coast Salish peoples since time immemorial.
The building has been named Chief George to honour the legacy of the late chief’s advocacy and lasting impact.
“Chief George cared deeply for people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver and would regularly visit the Downtown Eastside to offer support and care to those most in need,” the release adds.
Onsite amenities are also designed to support Indigenous culture and community connection. These include shared indoor spaces, including a large amenity room with patio space and community gardening opportunities on the seventh floor. This floor will also be home to an Indigenous‑focused before- and after-school child care program, and a shared gathering space.
The building is Canada’s first mixed-use tall mass timber building built to Passive House standards.