Wuikinuxv Housing Department Update

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to provide you with an update regarding recent developments and initiatives within the Housing Department.

1. Staff Updates: As many of you are aware, at our last General Meeting, Nedo Matilpi announced that he would be taking a leave of absence. In that time, Malista McIntyre, our Executive Director has taken on the role and work within our Housing Department. Glen Woiwod has been appointed as Interim Housing Manager and he will be responsible for his role in supporting the housing needs within the community. Please join me in welcoming him to the Housing Department. As a part of the work leading up to Nedo’s leave, we had reached out to MST Consulting to support our Housing Department, specifically around governance and structure of the department itself, supporting the projects that need to be completed on existing homes, by helping us to source funding; as well as completing home assessments to help us understand and prioritize the work that needs to be completed. Darin McLennan and Ann Evangelista from MST bring 20+ years of BC Housing knowledge, along with being a First Nation oriented business, to the table as we work together to build a bigger and sustainable community.

2. Upcoming Projects: We have several exciting projects in the pipeline that will enhance our housing programs and services.

These include:

a. Wuikinuxv Housing Triplex Construction Contract: With the support of Clifford Hanuse, Capital Manager, this project is now under way. Muchalat has an estimated completion date of October 2024.

b. Offsite Focus has also started working with Wuikinuxv on a BC Housing project, that will see an additional 2 Triplexes coming into the community. The project goal for these homes is 2025.

3. Rapid Housing Initiative:

a. Project overview

• Wuikinuxv engaged Supermod in 2023 to build 4 homes.

• CMHC agreed to fund an additional 8 units through the Rapid Housing initiative.

• Supermod was contracted in September 2023 to provide the CMHC funded homes.

• Supermod was contracted in October 2023 to build a cultural centre.

• Offsite Focus was engaged by Wuikinuxv in July 2023 to manage Supermod and provide Project Management support.

b. Fabrication:

• Supermod lost control of their fabrication facility due to a conflict with their landlord.

• On March 27th, 2024, Supermod terminated their factory employees.

• On March 27th Wuikinuxv engaged legal council to protect against Supermod risk

• On March 28th, 2024, Offsite Focus met with Supermod in Campbell River to review the fabrication progress of the buildings.

• On March 29th, 2024, Offsite Focus relocated first 3 completed homes to a secure storage yard outside of Supermod control.

• On April 1st, 2024, Offsite Focus relocated the 4th home completed to a secure storage yard outside of Supermod control.

• On April 5th Supermod was given verbal notice that Wuikinuxv would like to move ahead without Supermod

.• Supermod is working with Wuikinuxv to deliver the materials and homes under their control.

c. Site Work

• Pacmar mobilised to the site March 25th

• Excavation and formwork underway for all 12 homes and 1 Cultural centre

• This work continues to progress.Next steps:

• Wuikinuxv to take over the site work contract under Offsite Focus Construction Management approach.

• Terminate contract with Supermod based on legal councils’ recommendation

.• Salvage any material still at Supermods facility.

• Reconcile the project against material and homes received against deposits paid.

• Tender remaining home builds and cultural centre to qualified suppliers

• Work with CMHC to extend the schedule completion date.Potential impact:

• Schedule impact:o There will be between 4-6 homes installed this summer.o Remaining homes are hoped to be completed by fall 2024.o Will be understood mid-May, after tendering scopes.

• Costing impact:o There is still a healthy contingency on the project.o Depending on how Supermod negotiations proceed.o Site risks will be reduced for new builders as the foundations will be completed in advance, providing cost certainty. o Will be understood mid-May after remaining scopes retendered.

4. Policy Updates: We recently hosted a community engagement dinner to help support the reviewing and revisions of these documents. We have recently updated several policies and procedures to ensure compliance with current regulations and best practices. These documents will be brought to Chief and Council for final approval and ratification so that they can be implemented. Cherlyn will update them to our website. Please familiarize yourself with these updates by reviewing the revised documents available on the Wuikinuxv Nation website.

5. Staff Training and Development: We remain committed to investing in the professional development of our staff. We will be organizing training sessions and workshops on topics such as facilities maintenance, aimed at enhancing your skills and knowledge in housing management and support of annual inspections and reporting. It has been an honor to support this department through the transition and I’m looking forward to the good things that area head in 2024 in supporting our community and housing infrastructure. With warm regards,Malista McIntyreExecutive Directo