Sq’umul’ Shelh Lelum’ Supportive Housing Complex Opens in North Cowichan, BC

April 25 was an important day for many individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Municipality of North Cowichan, BC, as they began moving into Sq’umul’ Shelh Lelum’: a new Nomodic-built supportive complex on Paddle Road.

The move-in day follows a ceremony this past Friday which was attended by representatives from BC Housing and Nomodic, as well as Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan, and Al Siebring, mayor of the Municipality of North Cowichan.

The four-storey building was built through BC Housing in collaboration with Nomodic, the Municipality of North Cowichan, and the City of Duncan among other valued partners and stakeholders. It contains 52 self-contained studio homes, each with its own kitchenette and washroom, and a number of accessible features. Also included are a commercial kitchen, dining and lounge areas, storage, laundry, and a medical room. The building achieved BC Energy Step Code 3, and includes a number of features designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.

According to BC Housing, the building’s name, Sq’umul’ Shelh Lelum’, refers to the word “paddle” in the Hul’qumi’num language. It is representative of the name of the road the building is on, and of the opportunity it gives residents to chart a path and move in a new direction.

The building will be operated by Lookout Housing + Health Society, an experienced non-profit housing operator. The society will provide residents with on-site staff and support services, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness support services, and volunteer opportunities.

Nomodic has commenced work on a second, 48-suite complex in Duncan, located at 260 White Road, which is expected to be completed in early 2023.

On behalf of our entire team, we’d like to sincerely thank BC Housing, Lookout Housing + Health Society, the Municipality of North Cowichan, and our many great partners and stakeholders who helped bring this fantastic building to life. We hope it leaves things better for North Cowichan residents for years to come!

Click here to read more about the building in an article from BC Housing.

Click here to see our supportive housing experience.