shíshálh Nation 10 Home Rescue Project

Through a partnership between Renewal Development, Wesgroup Properties, and the shíshálh Nation, this project delivered 17 long-term rental homes housing to Nation members. Through the rescue, relocation, and retrofit of ten demolition-bound houses, the initiative turned potential housing waste into safe, energy-efficient, and affordable housing. This project demonstrates how innovative partnerships can balance urban densification with sustainability and reconciliation.

The homes once stood in Port Moody’s Coronation Park neighbourhood, where Wesgroup acquired 59 single-family houses to build a higher-density community. Rather than demolishing all structures, Wesgroup partnered with Renewal Development to turn a traditional demolition project into an opportunity to preserve housing and reduce environmental impact. In support, Wesgroup reallocated $35,000-per-home demolition budget to the shíshálh Nation to offset relocation costs.

Renewal assessed all 59 homes and identified ten with the highest potential for reuse. In spring 2023, Renewal Development presented the opportunity of receiving these ten well-built homes to the shíshálh Nation. Guided by Chief and Council and aligned with the Nation’s long-term housing and land use priorities, the Nation signed an agreement to acquire the ten homes for use as affordable rental housing on Nation lands in Sechelt, BC. The Nation contributed land, infrastructure, and local capacity, providing leadership throughout planning and delivery.

The homes were transported by truck and barge, then modernized and adapted for long-term performance and comfort. Energy upgrades included air-source heat pumps, improved insulation, and fully electric systems, alongside modest renovations and the reuse of reclaimed wood interior beams. Secondary suites were added to increase housing capacity, resulting in a total of 17 rental units. All units were completed and handed over to the Nation by December 2025, and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in February 2026.

Environmental & Community Impact

Approximately 1,000,000 kg of construction material diverted from landfill
Around 230 tonnes of embodied carbon preserved
70-80% of lifecycle emissions retained compared to new construction, with projected total carbon reductions of up to 24% over 60 years
Rental housing delivered 20-40% below market cost
Exterior cedar elements incorporated to reflect local cultural context
Over 70% of trades were shíshálh Nation members, supporting skills development, employment, and local economic activity

To the best of industry knowledge, no project of this scale, combining multi-home relocation, Indigenous-led housing delivery, and a redirected demolition funding model, has previously been undertaken in the Pacific Northwest.

The Coronation Park project showcases how creative approaches can facilitate urban densification while preserving homes. Through their leadership, the shíshálh Nation set a powerful example of how rescue-repurpose housing solutions can pave the way for sustainable, cost-effective, and community-centered development.