BC Premier David Eby launches Indigenous affordable housing project in Smithers

Premier David Eby visited Smithers on July 31 to tour the Ken’ulh K’it Yikh building at 1611 Main Street, a new 41‑unit affordable housing complex for Indigenous families, elders and individuals. The project is funded by BC Housing’s Indigenous Housing Fund and includes two elevators, a backup generator, a commercial kitchen, a healing room, cultural community space, Indigenous art features and a culturally inspired playground. More than 100 applications have been received, and housing advisor Lydia Howard said the three‑ and four‑bedroom suites will support intergenerational living.

Eby also stopped in Prince Rupert, Terrace and Hazelton, noting the difficulty of travel with his party’s slim legislative majority. He highlighted the northwest’s growing importance for ports, mining, critical minerals, energy projects and the North Coast Transmission Line, stressing the need to balance development with community safety and cultural pride.