Dze L’ Kant Friendship Centre services in Houston are being moved as they begin construction on a new location.
“Our organization made it a strategic priority to see if we could get an upgraded building for Houston and this came about because of the significant failing of systems in [the current] building,” said Lydia Howard, Housing and Economic Development Advisor.
The original building was donated to the friendship centre several years ago and Howard added there may not have been one in Houston in the future without the upgrade.
Where the centre will be isn’t changing as the old building is set to be demolished with several residents attending the groundbreaking event last Thursday. (March 6th)
“A lot of people came out to share heartfelt stories about the building and we also blessed the site for the demolition and construction,” said Howard.
The organization is temporarily using space at a local church and in the Houston mall to continue offering services through the project.
“That was a really important goal. We recognize that this project would displace services but wanted to make sure they would continue,” she said.
Funding was provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Northern Initiative Development Trust, and from federal accessibility grants to install an elevator.
The new building will be three stories with the first floor serving their childhood programs, second for youth and after school programs, and staff offices on the third.
“It’s very much a building designed to meet our current organizational needs and provide a bit of space to grow,” said Howard.
Construction is expected to wrap up the summer of 2026.
Something going on in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
