Indigenous peoples in Vernon will have more affordable rental homes to call their own, thanks to a provincial initiative led by the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) and the Vernon Native Housing Society (VNHS). 

Pebble Park, Head of Lake and Whiteman Creek will see 35 new homes constructed through the fund, in partnership with OKIB. Additionally, 90 homes at 3610 26th Ave. (the former Interior Bottle Depot location), will be constructed, in partnership with VHNS.

"These additional homes are part of our ongoing reconciliation work to ensure that Indigenous people are provided the resources and services to thrive in the communities they call home," said B.C. Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon. "With collective support from partners, we are better able to deliver housing that meets people's needs."

The new homes are a part of the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund (IHF) where the province works with B.C. Housing and Indigenous non-profit housing providers. Provincewide, 1,600 new homes have been committed. 

"With each new home built through the Indigenous Housing Fund, we are taking meaningful action to address the critical need for culturally supportive shelter and foster a lasting vision of community and resilience for First Nations in British Columbia," said regional Chief Terry Teegee of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations.

The Indigenous Housing Fund is a $1.7 billion provincial program, administered by B.C. Housing, to support government's target of delivering 3,500 homes for Indigenous families, elders, individuals and people with disabilities on and off reserve. Those who occupy the homes are charged rent-geared-to-income, which means that residents would pay 30 per cent of their gross household income. Fixed rents may be considered for the projects built on reserve. 

The Vernon projects are currently in the design phase.