Parents will soon benefit from additional child care options, and women and children fleeing violence will soon have safe new housing options as the Tamitik Status of Women (TSW) housing development officially opens its doors.
Community leaders and provincial delegates gathered April 16 at the new four-storey facility on Quatsino Boulevard to celebrate its grand opening, the result of collaborative efforts between BC Housing, the District of Kitimat and the Tamitik Status of Women Association, which will operate the facility.
“TSW is incredibly excited to open these new homes to women and their children in Kitimat,” Jordana Velho, TSW’s executive director said.
“As an agency that has led our local gender equality and anti-violence fields for over 45 years, we know how much of an impact these homes will have for those who are most vulnerable.
“This project is an opportunity for us to better serve women and their children in Kitimat for years to come.”
The facility encompasses a 12-bed transition house, 12 units of second-stage housing, and 20 units of permanent affordable housing.
Additionally, it features a 24-hour child care centre capable of accommodating 60 children.
Transition housing provides a safe, temporary refuge with comprehensive support for women escaping abusive environments.
Women and children can stay in second-stage housing for six to 18 months before transitioning to more permanent solutions within the community.
This stage includes various services aimed at fostering independence, such as support groups and personalized assistance.
Mitzi Dean, Minister of State for Child Care, emphasized the dual focus of safety and developmental opportunities for children. “Women in Kitimat who are leaving violent situations will have the comfort of knowing their children are safe and receiving culturally rich early learning opportunities, while they focus on their next steps,” she said.
B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon specifically added it is the government’s responsibility to provide this kind of service.
“Transition homes are a vital first step so vulnerable women and children can rebuild their lives, surrounded by the supports and services they need,” he said.
The project, which was first proposed in 2015, only began construction in August 2022 after securing the necessary partners and financing.
The province, through BC Housing, contributed $17 million via the Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund and will also provide about $979,000 in annual operating funding.
The District of Kitimat supported the project with $471,000 and will lease the land to TSW at a nominal rate.
Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth praised the project for the positive impact it will have on the community.
“Whether for those in a vulnerable situation needing a place to live or those who need child care options so that they can get into the workforce, this facility makes a difference for people in Kitimat,” he said.
“This development is a testament to what can be achieved, thanks to hard work and collaboration.”
The new child care centre is part of a partnership between the province and the District of Kitimat, offering 60 new spaces, including 12 for children under three years of age, 16 for school-age children and 32 multi-age spaces
“We know that having secure child care spaces is vital for women to remain in or enter into the workforce, to pursue education and other opportunities in the community,” Dean added.
The district previously committed to working with the Haisla Nation to ensure Indigenous culture, language and protocols are consistently incorporated, promoted and celebrated within the childcare facility and the early learning programs.
