The Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) has officially announced the completion and opening of The Hemlocks, its latest affordable housing project located in Cheakamus Crossing at 1450 Mount Fee Road. Welcoming tenants as of October 29, the WHA plans to celebrate this milestone with a building opening ceremony on November 15.
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The Hemlocks adds 48 new units to WHA’s employee-restricted rental portfolio, comprising four studio apartments, 28 one-bedroom units, and 16 two-bedroom units. In a press release, WHA said the project also includes specially adapted studios and a one-bedroom units. Tenants will benefit from communal amenities such as laundry facilities, underground parking, bike storage, and individual storage rooms.
“Today over 100 Whistlerites moved into their new affordable homes in the recently completed Hemlocks building,” said Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country. “The 48 new units of secure, affordable housing will allow these residents to live, work, and play in Whistler’s vibrant community. Over half of Whistler’s 14,000 residents live in below-market units managed by the Whistler Housing Authority, whose leadership has been exceptional. The Government of Canada is proud to invest $15.2 million in this project, which supports both local and national economic growth and fosters a more livable community for everyone.”
Rental rates at The Hemlocks align with the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) Council Policy K-01, which pegs rent at 30% of tenants’ income to uphold housing affordability standards. Rents start at $1,450 for studios, $1,850 for one-bedroom units, and $2,425 for two-bedroom apartments.
Since 2018, the WHA said it has delivered five new rental apartment buildings to the community, bolstering its inventory of non-market rental housing to 818 employee beds. “It is a big day in Whistler when we can add to our inventory of affordable housing,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “We know that affordability and housing are two of the biggest challenges in Whistler today. Seeing progress in easing this pressure and providing workers with 48 additional secure, affordable homes fills me with a tremendous sense of pride.”
The next planned development at 1475 Mount Fee Road will bring 104 more rental units to the community with a target completion date of 2026.
Marla Zucht, General Manager of the WHA, emphasized the importance of collaboration in these efforts.
“At the WHA, we acknowledge that the success of projects like The Hemlocks and 1475 Mount Fee Road would not be possible without continued partnerships with the Resort Municipality of Whistler, BC Housing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Whistler 2020 Development Corporation. We are grateful for their support in delivering stable housing for Whistler’s workforce, making this community a place to call home.”