PRINCE RUPERT, BC – the Gitmaxmak’ay Nisg̱a’a Society (the “GNS”) is thrilled to announce it has reached an accepted offer to purchase Lots 21-28, 2nd Avenue West, also known as the former Inlander Hotel site in downtown Prince Rupert.
The GNS is planning to construct a 40-unit affordable housing complex, featuring a mix of apartment sizes ranging from studios to 3-bedroom family units. The affordable housing project is 100% rent-geared-to-income, meaning there will be a focus on Indigenous households who earn less than $45,500 per year, with rents expected to range from $585-$1,024 on average, depending on the size of the unit.
“We see this property as an ideal downtown location, near the Nisg̱a’a Hall, with a bus stop right out front, and within a 5-minute walk to grocery stores, government buildings, and many other businesses and amenities” said Blair Mirau, Society CEO. He added, “our board has focussed on expand our mandate into housing for years, and we feel this is our best opportunity to do so”.
The GNS has been conducting necessary due diligence over the past few months, including geotechnical studies, architectural planning, and site servicing.
The GNS has also garnered considerable community support, evidenced in the dozens of letters of support from nearby businesses and hundreds of petition signatures in favour (map attached). Notable supporters include MLA Jennifer Rice, Mayor Herb Pond, the local ILWU, and the Highliner Hotel.
The affordable housing proposal requires municipal rezoning and a parking variance which were presented at the May 27th council meeting for first reading (renderings attached).
For more information, please contact Blair Mirau, CEO at 250-627-1595 ext 224 or by email to blair@gitmaxmakay.ca
About the Gitmaxmak’ay Nisg̱a’a Society: the GNS is a non-profit organization representing the approximately 1400 Nisg̱a’a citizens living in Prince Rupert and Port Edward.
