Rivers Edge Housing Enabling Infrastructure

Sector(s)

Green Infrastructure, Indigenous Infrastructure

Location(s)

Cowichan Tribes, Vancouver Island, B.C.

Participation

$8.9 million
(Financial close)

Partner(s)

Cowichan Tribes, Khowutzun Development Corporation, BC Housing

Sector(s)

Green Infrastructure, Indigenous Infrastructure

Location(s)

Cowichan Tribes, Vancouver Island, B.C.

Participation

$8.9 million
(Financial close)

Partner(s)

Cowichan Tribes, Khowutzun Development Corporation, BC Housing

Rivers Edge to deliver new homes and community space

New rental housing and community amenities will support Cowichan Tribes.

Malahat Nation

Today marks a significant step forward — not just for this project, but for the well-being of our entire community. The CIB’s investment in these developments will help deliver a modern, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure. These next steps are vital in creating a brighter future for the next generations, bringing both meaningful employment and the much-needed housing our Nation deserves.

Chief Gordon Harry

Cowichan Tribes

As the largest First Nation in BC by population with more than 5,500 citizens, the need for housing for our families is acute. However, there are many complex challenges to building on-reserve housing. I commend KDLLP for the unique partnerships and collaboration they have fostered with the Province of BC, BC Housing, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to build these 200 new homes. Today marks a milestone for not only this project, but for our community. This major housing development will transform the lives of the residents who will live here, at the edge of the Quw’utsun Sta’lo’ (Cowichan River) which has sustained our people physically and spiritually for millennia.

Chief Sulsulxumaat Cindy Daniels

Khowutzun Development Corporation

Today represents the combined efforts of KDLLP, Cowichan Tribes, the Province of B.C., and the Canada Infrastructure Bank — a true testament to the power of collaboration and community. Our team of architects and engineers has delivered an inspired design that reflects the deep significance of the Cowichan River, the land, and the central role family plays in the lives of Cowichan Tribes citizens. Rivers Edge will provide much-needed housing for Cowichan Tribes and the wider Cowichan Valley, creating a positive legacy that will serve generations to come.

Renée Olson, Chief Executive Officer

Government of Canada

As a nation of builders, it’s time to build Canada stronger. The CIB’s investments in these projects will provide new, modernized wastewater infrastructure, enabling the construction of new homes for hundreds of people in the Malahat Nation and Cowichan Tribes. These important investments will unlock new opportunities for growth, economic development, and help build stronger, more prosperous communities across Vancouver Island.

Hon. Gregor Robertson

Government of British Columbia

It’s crucial that Indigenous people in B.C. have housing that reflects their needs and values. That’s why we’re working in partnership with First Nations, non-profits, and all levels of government to fast-track more rental homes. Through Rivers Edge, members of the Cowichan Tribes and people from the broader community will be able to find an affordable home in the community they love, close to family, friends and Elders. We’ll keep working with our community and government partners to build stronger neighbourhoods with the services people count on.

Hon. Ravi Kahlon

Fast facts

$8.9 million loan to support enabling infrastructure for on-reserve housing

New infrastructure includes site preparation, utility upgrades and connections, roads and streetscaping, and electric vehicle charging stations

Providing subcontracting, employment and training opportunities for First Nations

The CIB is investing $8.9 million towards new infrastructure to support the Rivers Edge development—an Indigenous-led mixed affordable housing project on Cowichan Tribes’ reserve lands.

The CIB’s investment in critical enabling infrastructure unlocks the 200-unit rental development on reserve including two rental buildings with 200 homes, commercial space, and culturally significant community amenities such as an outdoor kitchen, children’s play area, and community gardens.

The development addresses critical housing shortages and affordability challenges while enabling long-term economic and cultural benefits.

Led by Khowutzun Development Corporation in partnership with BC Housing, the broader development will also generate career and training opportunities for Cowichan Tribes citizens and other First Nations.

Economic benefits generated by the project will be reinvested into the community, supporting long-term prosperity.

Benefits of the CIB’s involvement

Through our Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, the CIB’s affordable, long-term financing helps overcome barriers to on-reserve housing development by supporting enabling infrastructure.

The Rivers Edge project is a collaborative partnership model that has overcome challenges in accessing funding from multiple sources. Enabled by the CIB’s involvement, projects like these help to close the Indigenous infrastructure gap.

Rivers Edge demonstrates how flexible capital and strong partnerships can unlock housing, economic opportunity, and cultural revitalization for Indigenous communities.

Learn more

CIB News Release

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