At the tail end of 2023, Tsartlip Chief and Council approved and ratified a new housing policy that will improve health, safety, and predictability for all community members.
(shown above, Tsartlip’s shoreline)
On December 12, 2023, Tsartlip Chief and Council came together to approve a much-needed update to Tsartlip’s Housing Policy to provide improved secure, accessible, and affordable housing that uplifts the entire community. The new policy applies to both on-reserve rental and on-reserve rent-to-own homes, and became effective upon its ratification in December.
This policy update – the first since 2015 – promises wide-reaching improvements to further the Nation-level principle that: “Tsartlip is a community of strong, independent people who have built a self-sufficient Nation that thrives in harmony with the W̱SÁNEĆ culture, lands, and waters to which we belong.” As such, all changes in policy will be implemented with an eye towards supporting autonomy.
Specifically, the new policy will work to alleviate the present overcrowding in on-reserve housing, ensure repairs are completed in a timely manner, improve community infrastructure, preserve the surrounding environment and create a collaborative approach to safe living.
The new policy creates predictability and improves standards by clearly outlining the responsibilities of tenants, homeowners, Chief and Council, Housing Committee and Housing department, and the Band Administration to ensure all parties’ needs are met.
Tenants can expect changes such as a modified pet policy, the provision of important safety mechanisms like working fire alarms, new, more efficient approaches to repairs, and changes to tenancy requirements, but won’t have to navigate them alone. The Tsartlip Housing Committee and Housing Department have put new supports in place to ensure the community members impacted by these changes have better service and access to staff. The new policy is intended to ensure community members are heard and that all questions are answered by providing online, after-hours support, and direct phone lines.
Additionally, the Housing Department intends to take a hands-on approach to engaging all community members. The Department intends to visit all Tsartlip housing residents to have a personalized discussion regarding how they can make the most of the new policy.
Finally, recognizing the gravity of any change impacting home life, the Department is taking steps to ensure community members are supported every step of the way. The Department intends to work with community members to provide necessary training and supports, and will make exceptions to new regulations as needed to carry out the spirit and intent of the policies while elevating the greater community.
If you want to learn more about how you may be affected by the change in Tsartlip’s housing policy, don’t hesitate to contact the Housing Department at 250-652-3988 ext. 232.
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