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. <\/p>\n
Announced on Thursday, Columbia Court is an Indigenous-led housing initiative developed and delivered by the Gwa\u2019sala-\u2018Nakwaxda\u2019xw Nations\u2019 economic development arm K\u2019awat\u2019si Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) and built by the K\u2019awat\u2019si Construction Company (KCC).<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are stepping forward to help address real challenges facing our neighbours and our region. This is what Indigenous-led development can achieve through partnership,\u201d says Chief Leslie Walkus elected Chief of the Gwa\u2019sala-\u2018Nakwaxda\u2019xw Nations.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 10 homes were built as a means to strengthen healthcare staff recruitment efforts by reducing housing barriers.<\/p>\n
\u201cHousing has become a real barrier. We see that everywhere across Canada and especially in B.C., and in particular in rural communities,\u201d Cyrus Singh, CEO of told CHEK.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think there\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The rural community has struggled to keep the emergency room open 24\/7 with staffing shortages.<\/p>\n
RELATED:\u00a0Last remaining ER doctor in Port Hardy pleads for help after colleagues resign<\/a><\/p>\n Currently the ER is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m<\/a>. In the fall, the community held a rally to get the hospital ER back to 24\/7 hours.<\/p>\n