Thursday, April 30, 2026
Indigenous Elders, families and individuals in Vancouver have begun moving into 81 new homes, following the opening of a new building named in honour of the late Chief Leonard George of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
“The Chief Leonard George building stands proudly as a testament to what strong partnerships can achieve,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “It reflects new beginnings for returning residents, and stability for new residents who now call it home. Honouring the Chief’s legacy while creating safe, affordable housing shows how we can build welcoming communities rooted in care, culture and connection.”
Located at 1766 Frances St., the project was delivered through a partnership between the Province, through BC Housing, the federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the City of Vancouver, and the BC Indigenous Housing Society.
The nine-storey building replaces a 27-unit property that was severely damaged by fire in 2017. The redevelopment created 54 net‑new homes and offers former residents the opportunity to return and continue calling the neighbourhood home.
“The Chief Leonard George building represents what is possible when Indigenous leadership, community knowledge, and long‑term thinking come together,” said Brenda Knights, CEO, BC Indigenous Housing Society. “This project is about more than replacing what was lost, it is about building homes that restore dignity, strengthen community, and reflect Indigenous values of care, connection and responsibility for future generations.”
Homes range in size from studios to four-bedroom units. Amenities include a child care facility on the first floor. The society owns and operates the new homes with support from the Aboriginal Housing Management Association. Residents began moving into the building in March 2026.
The building’s design and construction techniques weave local Indigenous culture throughout the project. Its exterior façade draws inspiration from Coast Salish cedar basket weaving, symbolizing the interweaving of generations. The cedar tree provided essentials for life to the Coast Salish peoples since time immemorial. It was used for housing, art, medicine, weaving intricate baskets and for clothing.
The building has been named Chief Leonard George, granted by the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) to honour the legacy of the late Chief’s advocacy and lasting impact. Chief George cared deeply for people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver and would regularly visit the Downtown Eastside to offer support and care to those most in need.
“I am thrilled that this new essential housing complex for Indigenous Elders, families and other members of the community is named in honour of my father, Chief Leonard George,” said Chief Justin George, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). “My father was a visionary leader of our Nation. He viewed housing not just as shelter, but as a place of healing, strength, and connection. He also believed housing should reflect Indigenous identity, a belief that is honoured in the new Chief Leonard George building, which was designed to resemble a Coast Salish woven basket and to prioritize intergenerational living.”
According to the non-profit association Passive House Canada, the building is Canada’s first mixed-use tall mass timber building built to Passive House standards. Its environmentally sustainable design helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports long‑term energy savings for residents.
The Province, through BC Housing, provided more than $18 million through the Indigenous Housing Fund and more than $26 million in financing.
The Province will also provide approximately $2 million in annual operating funding for the homes.
The federal government provided more than $9 million toward construction through the Affordable Housing program.
The City of Vancouver provided approximately $7.5 million in overall funding.
BC Indigenous Housing Society provided the land for the project, valued at approximately $10.5 million, plus approximately $425,000 in cash equity.
Featured image: (Government of B.C.)
