Phase 2 of Thunderbird Manor (photo by Peter McIntyre / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

35 units

Affordable housing for Indigenous people opens in Vernon

May 21, 2024 | 11:23 AM

An affordable housing project in Vernon has opened for Indigenous individuals, families and Elders.

Phase 2 of the Thunderbird Manor has been completed.

The five-storey building on 27th Avenue provides 35 affordable housing units for Indigenous Peoples with low and moderate incomes.

“The opening of Thunderbird Manor – Phase 2 means more Indigenous families in Vernon will have affordable housing options in their community, near their families and their culture,” Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, said.

“Through the Indigenous Housing Fund, we’re partnering with Indigenous non-profit housing providers, First Nations and other Indigenous organizations to create more homes like this that meet the needs of Indigenous families and individuals on and off reserve.”

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Nine of the units are fully accessible for people living with disabilities, while the remaining 26 are adaptable so they can accomodate the needs of older residents,

Three of the studio apartments are also reserved for young people between the ages of 16 and 19 who are living independently. These units are being funded through the Ministry of Children and Family Development Services Agreement, which aims to support young people living in their communities while also offering them additional counselling resources.

Thunderbird Manor – Phase 2, is owned and operated by Vernon Native Housing Society. The new building, at 5577 27th Ave., is next to the first phase of the affordable housing project for Indigenous people.

“Thunderbird Manor – Phase 2 is owned and operated by Vernon Native Housing Society. It is situated next door to Thunderbird Manor – Phase 1,” Valerie Chiba, board president, Vernon Native Housing Society, said.

“Combined, these 73 units provide housing for Indigenous families, seniors and Elders, youth, and individuals and families with mobility challenges. We are so pleased to add these stunning buildings to our housing programs.”

The province, through B.C. Housing, provided approximately $7.6-million to build this project, and will provide an additional $413,000 annually to support operations at the site. The City of Vernon and the Regional District of North Okanagan contributed another $350,000 to this project by offsetting municipal and regional development costs.