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Blizzard Mountain Place represents a shared vision between LCAHS and the Village of Fruitvale.

A significant step is being taken in addressing housing needs in the region.

A new 31-unit affordable rental housing development is scheduled to open later this year in Fruitvale. The construction of Blizzard Mountain Place — by the Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society (LCAHS) — will provide accessible, inclusive housing solutions in the Beaver Valley village.

Blizzard Mountain Place represents a shared vision between LCAHS and the Village of Fruitvale. The project was made possible through funding and support from B.C. Housing, Columbia Basin Trust, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Local contributions came from Teck Trail Operations, Kootenay Savings Credit Union, and the Prosperity Fund (a joint initiative of the Province of B.C. and the LeRoi Foundation) have also played a role.

Founded in 2013, LCAHS was created to address the growing need for affordable rental housing for low- to moderate-income households across the Lower Columbia region.

Since its inception, the society has made significant progress and now operates five affordable housing properties in Trail and Rossland, said society president Jan Morton in a press release.

“With a target of establishing 100 affordable rental units by 2030, LCAHS is entering a new chapter — focused on sustainability, strategic growth, and organizational capacity-building,” she said. “This transition marks an exciting opportunity to shape long-term housing solutions in one of British Columbia’s most beautiful and welcoming regions.”

A key milestone in this phase of growth is the hiring of a full-time executive director, Morton added. This leadership role will be responsible for guiding the society’s development and advancing its mission with a dynamic and sustainable approach.

• People can apply and help shape the future of housing in Lower Columbia by clicking here.