People in Fruitvale will have access to 31 new, affordable rental homes with the opening of Blizzard Mountain Place.
The development at 96 Deadmarsh Ave. features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families, seniors and people living with disabilities. The three-storey building is situated near Ella Matteucci Park, a newly opened child care centre and is within a 10-minute walking distance to the village centre, making everyday amenities easily accessible for residents. On-site features include a gazebo and patio area, community garden plots and a children’s natural play area.
“New affordable housing like the homes at Blizzard Mountain Place helps make communities across the basin more livable, vital and inclusive,” said Johnny Strilaeff, Columbia Basin Trust President and CEO. “By creating safe and affordable homes for families, seniors and people with disabilities in the heart of Fruitvale, this project strengthens community connections and supports participation in local life.”
Blizzard Mountain Place is a result of a partnership between the federal government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Province, through BC Housing, the Village of Fruitvale, Columbia Basin Trust and the Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society (LCAHS).
“The Village of Fruitvale is thrilled to see this fine project completed. Blizzard Mountain Place provides housing opportunities for our residents and is an asset we can all be proud,” said Wes Startup, Mayor of Fruitvale.” The homes will be operated by LCAHS, which also manages properties in the West Kootenay communities of Trail and Rossland. People are expected to start moving into the homes in December 2025.”
“This is an exciting moment as we finally fulfil a long-held goal to establish affordable housing in Fruitvale,” said Jan Morton, president, LCAHS. “Inspired by the vision of the village for the former middle school land and supported by various generous funders, we are proud to be opening these new homes for families, seniors and adults with diverse abilities.”
Since 2013, Columbia Basin Trust and BC Housing have partnered to expand affordable housing in the Columbia Basin region, helping meet the diverse needs of residents. By combining the Trust’s regional expertise with BC Housing’s leadership in housing development and management, they have invested $260 million to create 670 new units to date.
Read the full BC Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs media release here.
