Kelowna Now – Indigenous-led Townhouse Development Blends Culture and Sustainability
The səkʷíw townhome project is an exciting new development set to shape the future of Westbank First Nation.
In partnership with Seven Generations Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hungerford Properties, and Ntityix Development Corporation (the Economic Development Corp of Westbank First Nation), the upcoming development blends sustainable practices with culture, creating a unique living space that honours the past while preparing for a prosperous future.
This development follows the success of their first joint venture, a 23-unit townhome development adjacent to səkʷíw, which brought together these partners for the first time, setting a new standard for supporting Indigenous communities through sustainable, culturally respectful housing solutions.
This Indigenous-led initiative is much more than just a housing development. It’s a space where community bonds can thrive and well-being is central. Through careful design, səkʷíw integrates cultural significance its architecture, drawing inspiration from stories shared by community members and weaving them into the very fabric of the development.
At the heart of səkʷíw is a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainability. Named after the nsyilxcən word for wild rose bud, səkʷíw points to a plant once abundant in the area, and used as a food source and medicine for the syilx people.
The development’s name reflects a connection to the land and the traditions of those who have called it home for generations.
By honouring Indigenous traditions, the project will become a gathering space where neighbours can come together, share stories and build a supportive space.
The səkʷíw development will feature five buildings, comprising 46 additional townhome units, situated on Westbank First Nation land at 693 Katherine Road. The townhomes will range from two to four bedrooms across three levels, with unit sizes varying between 1,200 to 1,750 square feet.A majority of the units will be three-bedroom homes, designed to provide ample space for families to grow and thrive. The homes will be for rent addressing a much needed demand for larger family oriented housing.
One of the most defining aspects of this project is its focus on sustainability.
The developers have prioritized environmental stewardship by incorporating local, natural, and real materials that connect the structures to the land and the community’s traditional practices—creating homes and protecting the environment for future generations.
səkʷíw aims to be a model of eco-friendly living in the region as the development will meet BC Energy’s Step Code 4. Step Code 4 sets a high standard for energy efficiency and sustainability in new construction projects with a focus on renewable materials and energy-efficient solutions.
Set to be completed in Fall 2026, the səkʷíw townhome project is not just a step forward in the development of Westbank First Nation land—it’s a model of how thoughtful, culturally aware, and sustainable housing can shape a community.
As more people come to call səkʷíw home, they will not only find a place to live but also a place to grow, learn and connect.