ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society (AHS), in partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), is pleased to announce a major redevelopment project that will significantly expand affordable housing options in Cranbrook while reflecting a shared commitment to safe, sustainable, and culturally respectful housing.

The AHS property located at 2220-2nd Street South, on Ktunaxa territory, is being redeveloped to replace 18 aging townhomes that have reached the end of their lifespan. Demolition of the existing buildings is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with construction expected to start in the spring of 2026.

The redevelopment will occur in two phases and will ultimately consist of two six-storey residential buildings. Phase One, scheduled for completion in 2027, will deliver 22 modern, accessible, and affordable homes designed to support individuals and families in the Cranbrook community. Upon completion of Phase Two, the project will provide 44 homes, more than doubling the current housing capacity on the site.

“The ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society Board of Directors and staff are excited to finally move forward with the redevelopment of this property,” said Cecilia Teneese, Executive Director of AHS. “We look forward to providing new affordable housing in our community. We thank AHMA for keeping Cranbrook’s housing needs at the forefront and the Ministry of Housing for providing the funding required to move this much-needed project ahead.”

AHS is an Indigenous, non-profit housing provider with more than 30 years of experience delivering affordable housing in Cranbrook and is a long-standing member of AHMA.

The project follows a For Indigenous, By Indigenous approach, with leadership, planning, and delivery rooted in Indigenous knowledge and values. Engagement with Knowledge Keepers and Elders is a core component of the redevelopment, and the project team is entirely Indigenous-led.

The development team includes Tawaw Architecture Collective Inc. and Lu’ma Development Management, working in collaboration with North Mountain Construction and Connor Construction Group Corp., a certified Indigenous business.

“Housing is more than just infrastructure. It is about people, stability, future generations, and community,” said Margaret Pfoh, CEO of AHMA. “Provincial investment is critical to securing affordable homes for those most in need, including Indigenous families. We thank the Ministry of Housing for the support and trust placed in our organization and our members to deliver housing solutions that benefit the broader community.”

The redevelopment is designed as a self-sustaining housing model, incorporating a limited number of market units to support long-term financial viability. The building will be a pet-free environment, include air conditioning, and feature community-oriented spaces that support wellbeing and connection.

Once fully built, the project will replace the existing 18 units with 44 new homes, significantly improving both the quality and availability of affordable housing in Cranbrook.

“There is no reconciliation without a place to call home,” added Pfoh. “Indigenous housing provides safety while honouring cultural needs and values. It plays a vital role in strengthening communities, supporting individuals and families, and creating a sense of belonging and wellbeing.”

e-KNOW file photo

ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society

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