It is anticipated that construction could begin as early as Summer 2023. We anticipate construction will take place in the following phases:

1. Excavation: Summer 2023
2. Foundation: Fall 2023
3. Framing and roof: Spring 2024
4. Interiors/finishing: Early 2025

We anticipate occupancy could take place as early as Fall 2025, however, recent experience with development projects has shown us that supply chain issues and labour shortage have a real impact on timelines.

The search for an affordable housing site started in 2020 and was a collaborative process with SSCS and the Village of Pemberton. Due to a lack of available municipal-owned land, the partners worked together to assess private properties for sale. We investigated over a dozen vacant land options within the Village, and contacted property owners regarding sale, subdivision, or lease options. The Harrow Road property was chosen based on lot size, location, and cost. A critical component of the land assessment was the financial and operational feasibility of the project. The land has to be big enough to fit an apartment building, and the building footprint has to be small enough to keep construction costs down. After many site investigations, negotiations, and financial assessments, the Harrow Rd site was chosen by SSCS and approved by BC Housing.

An independent traffic engineer has provided parking recommendations specific to the building use and tenure. Their recommendation takes into considerations the proximity of the building to amenities and the target population for the units. SSCS is providing 4 more stalls than the engineer’s recommendation.  Additionally, commercial stalls will be shared with visitors in an effort to keep cars off the streets.

Lastly, not all SSCS clients drive. We offer the Better at Home program for seniors and those with disabilities who cannot drive.

The civil engineer has recommended a stormwater retention design which will capture stormwater on site and help redirect runoff from entering the neighbouring properties or from overwhelming city drainage systems in a heavy rain event

We are proposing an off-site path along Hwy 99 for pedestrians and cyclists that aligns with the Village’s future transportation infrastructure plans and will make alternate forms of transportation accessible and safe for the community.

Safety is a top concern.  A fence will be built around the building to provide a barrier between the building and the highway.

The current Rezoning application does not include a proposed second phase, we are currently seeking approval from the Village for one building. Should we pursue a second phase in the future, a new rezoning application will be submitted to the Village.

The current Rezoning application does not include a proposed second phase, we are currently seeking approval from the Village for one building. Should we pursue a second phase in the future, a new rezoning application will be submitted to the Village.

Safety is a top concern. The parking lot has been designed to accommodate fire truck access and exit as per BC Building Code. The rezoning application will also be reviewed by Pemberton Fire Rescue.

By building up instead of out (wide) we can maximize the number of affordable housing units we can offer. This project is a unique opportunity for the community to add much needed affordable rentals to the housing market. Currently, Pemberton only has 30 non-market rental units and we heard overwhelmingly from respondents that affordable housing is desperately needed in the community. This project will more than triple the number of affordable housing rentals available to families, seniors, and people with disabilities.  By building up, we can also provide ample outdoor space for residents and ensure construction and operating costs are manageable and sustainable.

We understand the concern about building height and we are doing all we can to mitigate the impact the height may have in the community. Because the project is located on the flood plane, a residential building with 4 storeys would have to be built up higher with 2.75 meters of soil under it to meet the flood construction level. By incorporating commercial space on the ground floor, it acts as a flood buffer, and the residential portion can be elevated above the flood construction level without large amounts of soils.  The implementation of another storey used for commercial space (instead of building up the height with soil) means a 5 storey mixed-use building is only 4’ 9” (1.4 meters) taller than a 4 storey residential building (in the same location) and it provides more much-needed affordable housing units to the community (versus a 4 storey mixed-use building).

A flood hazard assessment has been conducted by a qualified professional recommending that commercial (non-habitable) space on the ground floor will be safe if proper design measures are taken, including locating all mechanical and electrical systems on the second or higher storey and foundation construction meets the minimum required level. The building design for this project has incorporated all recommendations and we will be applying for an exemption for the commercial space based on this professional report.

The proposed site is within a 10-minute walk (800 meters) of the elementary school, community centre, and commercial and retail services. It will be well-connected to these amenities via a multi-use path along Hwy 99 for pedestrians and cyclists that aligns with the Village’s future transportation infrastructure plans. SSCS programs offer some transportation services, and, as a social service agency, will advocate for local and regional transit services. SSCS and the Village of Pemberton searched for a site that is convenient and financially and operationally feasible.  Due to the lack of municipal land, the partners worked together to assess private properties for sale. The property was chosen based on lot size, location, and cost. 

SSCS was fortunate to have a fantastic relationship with their previous landlord who offered commercial space at below market prices. Unfortunately, the long-term relationship with the landlord and donor ended in 2021 and the future of the agency’s existing lease is insecure. Pemberton and the surrounding areas are growing in population and the demand for social services is increasing 8% year over year. We need more space to continue to meet the needs of the community and the growing demand.

We like green space too! We’ve planned to include a green buffer on the north edge of the site and a green space to the south of the building. 

We have not yet finalized the ground floor community space for this project, but we understand how important child care is in Pemberton and we have requested child care be a permitted use in our rezoning application. 

Yes! The design already includes a children’s playground to the west of the building.   

The project is designed to provide affordable non-market rental housing to families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. The proposed development would create approximately 60 housing units for community members, as well as space for social services.

The project is in the initial stages and building plans and designs have not been finalized. We are committed to designing plans that will integrate with the environment, exceed energy efficiency standards, and complement the Village’s spectacular setting. The information currently being gathered will help inform the design process, including building size, height, setbacks, etc.

The housing will be for a mix of rents and incomes within a single building, and geared to families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. 30% of units will be affordable housing (moderate incomes), 50% will be rent geared to income (subsidized units for households that meet BC Housing limits), 20% Deep subsidy (low incomes). The housing program does not include housing with support services or residential care components.

Sea to Sky Community Services is leading the affordable housing project and is working in partnership with the Village of Pemberton. We have a long history of partnering with communities throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor and BC Housing to help address the housing shortage. The proposed Harrow Road project would be the fifth affordable and inclusive housing development operated by Sea to Sky Community Services. Currently, we manage 232 housing units across the corridor. 

In addition to creating approximately 60 affordable housing units, the proposed development would include space for SSCS administration and social services. For decades, we have been working with people in the Pemberton and surrounding areas to provide a wide range of services – from child development to crisis intervention to employment programs. The need in community is growing.  Year over year we see an 8% increase in populations served in Pemberton and the surrounding area.  Our goal is to build a new space for SSCS staff and programs, so that our team can be closer to the community we support.

We have completed our Community Engagement process and are submitting a   rezoning application to the Village of Pemberton for their review and approval by Council. 

In the weeks and months ahead, we will continue to provide updates and feedback opportunities, including community open houses, a project website, and opportunities to speak with project team members. Additional information about our services in the Pemberton region is available here and a media release about affordable housing for Pemberton is available here.

If you have any questions about the proposed affordable housing project, please contact Jessie Abraham, Director of Housing, at: Jessie.Abraham@sscs.ca

We are still in the early stages of building design and permit applications. If we successfully receive permits and BC Housing approval, we anticipate opening our application waitlist in 2024 before building completion and occupancy in 2025. Check back on our website for schedule and progress updates.