Kootenay society launches to advance workforce housing.

The Kootenay Workforce Housing Society was created by Community Futures Central Kootenay to increase attainable housing for moderate-income workers in the Regional District of Central Kootenay; Kalesnikoff Mass Timber will partner as construction manager for initial projects.

The Kootenay Workforce Housing Society has been created to advance workforce housing in the West Kootenay region. The society was established by Community Futures Central Kootenay to increase the supply of attainable housing for moderate-income working individuals and families within the Regional District of Central Kootenay. It will collaborate with local governments, First Nations, private developers, landowners and other community-based housing providers. The move responds to concerns that a lack of housing has become a barrier to business growth and workforce retention in the region. Key points: - The society was created by Community Futures Central Kootenay following a Greater Nelson Housing Entity Study commissioned with Greater Nelson Economic Development. - Founding board members include Robert Bleier (president), Terry Bambrick (vice-president), Am Naqvi (CFCK representative) and Andrea Wilkey (secretary and treasurer). - Kalesnikoff Mass Timber will partner with the society as construction manager, overseeing project design, manufacturing and delivery. - The society has approached the City of Castlegar about the possibility of using city-owned land for a first workforce housing development. - The society is issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) for housing operations and property management services and will host a Building Attainable Housing symposium this spring. Summary: The society aims to advance housing developments that support the region’s workforce and strengthen local economies while addressing workforce retention concerns. It has begun project planning steps, including outreach to the City of Castlegar about city-owned land, issuing an RFQ for operations and property management, and organizing a regional symposium this spring. The longer-term effects on housing supply and timing of specific projects are undetermined at this time.