Via Renewal Development and Wesgroup, 17 affordable rental homes are now in the hands of the shíshálh Nation — marking the completion of a project that addresses the community’s housing needs while creating local opportunities.
Like many communities across British Columbia, the shíshálh Nation has been facing a housing crisis. This project tackles that issue head-on while supporting local economic development: roughly 70% of its construction work was carried out by shíshálh Nation entrepreneurs, providing jobs and skills training within the community.
“This project is about more than housing — it’s about creating opportunity and strengthening our community,” lhe hiwus (Chief) yalxwemult Lenora Joe said in a release. “By partnering with organizations that respect our traditions, culture and priorities, we have delivered much-needed homes while creating jobs, building skills, and investing directly in the future of our Nation.”
The project itself was highly creative. Renewal Development — who specialize in relocating and modernizing structures slated for demolition — rescued ten homes in Port Moody that were set to be demolished, and, in partnership with Vancouver-based Wesgroup, transported them by truck and barge to the Sunshine Coast. Once on site, the homes were retrofitted, modestly modernized, and fitted with new basements, expanding the total number of units to 17.
“Every year, roughly 700 good high-value homes are demolished across British Columbia to make space for higher density development. These good homes should be relocated, modernized and repurposed from growing urban areas to remote communities in need," Glyn Lewis, CEO and Founder of Renewal Development, said in the release. "This innovative housing solution, once replicated and scaled, can be part of the solution to our housing and climate crises."
“This project shows what’s possible when we rescue and relocate quality buildings, work in partnership with First Nations, and invest in local people," Lewis continued. "It’s a model that delivers affordability, climate resilience, and community benefit all at once.”
The environmental impact is also significant: approximately 1,000,000 kilograms of material were diverted from local landfills, and greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to drop by 230,000 kilograms over 60 years. “Projects like this show how thoughtful development and strong partnerships can increase housing supply, reduce waste, and deliver real community outcomes,” Dean Johnson, Senior Vice President of Development at Wesgroup, said in the release.
The project has also earned recognition internationally. In 2025, it was featured at the International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia for sustainability in prefabricated housing construction. That same year, Glyn Lewis was awarded “Champion for Indigenous Reconciliation” at the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase.
And at the most local level, for the shíshálh Nation, the work resulted in 17 homes, jobs for local workers, and new opportunities for skills training.
