Affordable rental housing in the Columbia Basin is becoming more sustainable and climate-resilient thanks to clean energy upgrades at 69 buildings comprising 1,097 units. These buildings, owned by non-profit housing providers, are receiving energy retrofits and solar installations with support from more than $5.8 million in funding from Columbia Basin Trust. The initiative also leveraged over $4.5 million in additional funding from other sources, helping reduce both utility costs and environmental impacts.
“Non-profit housing providers across the Basin are doing vital work to keep homes affordable and sustainable for residents,” said Ulli Mueller, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “We’re thrilled to support their efforts by helping them access upgrades and clean energy solutions that improve resident comfort, reduce operating costs and increase climate resilience.”
Delivered in partnership with the BC Non-Profit Housing Association and BC Housing, the initiative helps non-profit housing providers access energy assessments, plan capital upgrades, navigate rebate programs, and complete retrofits or install solar panels. Improvements such as heat pumps, insulation, lighting and air sealing enhance energy efficiency, lower emissions and improve overall comfort for residents.
Below are a few examples of supported projects. To view the full list, click here.
Fernie – North End Court
Operated by Fernie Family Housing Society, North End Court includes a townhouse complex and a 35-unit apartment building serving people with low or moderate incomes, including families, seniors, single parents and individuals living with disabilities.
To reduce energy costs and support sustainability goals, the society is installing a rooftop solar array on the apartment building. “Keeping costs down and rents affordable—that’s the benefit of solar,” said Gayle Vallance, President of Fernie Family Housing Society. “It’s something affordable housing providers should consider as we all work to keep rents manageable and reduce emissions.”
Marysville – Valley View Lodge
The Marysville Lions Housing Society provides affordable housing for seniors and people living with disabilities. Its Valley View Lodge includes 35 units in the main building and a townhouse cluster. A solar installation on the main lodge is expected to significantly reduce utility costs.
“The solar array will power all common areas in the building,” said Clay Kaldestad, Chair of the Marysville Lions Housing Society. “That means significant utility savings we can put toward building improvements, creating more comfortable homes for our residents.”
Nakusp – Rotary Villa Complex
Operated by the Arrowtarian Senior Citizens Society, the Rotary Villa Complex includes five phases of housing, with 52 affordable units for seniors. All units are undergoing energy retrofits, including the installation of heat pumps and upgraded domestic hot water systems.
“Our partnership with Columbia Basin Trust has enabled us to install or upgrade heat pumps, hot water tanks, HVAC systems, LED lighting and solar panels across all five phases over the past three years,” said Kees van der Pol, President of the Arrowtarian Senior Citizens Society. “These upgrades provide financial benefits and support environmental sustainability.”
