Frequently asked questions

Rossland Yards

What is the Rossland Yards Project?

The City of Rossland, the Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society, BC Housing and Columbia Basin Trust have partnered to build a 4 storey mixed-use building on the western portion of the vacant site located at 3rd Avenue and Spokane Street in Rossland.  The building will have 37 units of rental housing on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors.  The ground floor will be the Rossland City Hall. The residential portion of the building will be managed by the Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society.

This building has been designed to high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability.  Ongoing operations and financing of the residential building will be funded through rental revenue.

The residential portion of the building will have 21 one bedroom units, 12 two bedroom units and 4 three bedroom units. 

Applications Are now open for Rossland Yards.

We encourage you to submit an application for housing at Rossland Yards. Tenancy to begin August 2023

Why is BC Housing involved?

BC Housing, the Columbia Basin Trust, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities are all providing capital contributions to the project.  BC Housing will also secure mortgage financing.

Why is the City involved?

The City is making the land available and will be locating City Hall on the ground floor.

who would live here?

The target population to be served is the low to moderate income workforce in Rossland.  This would be defined as individuals, couples and families with incomes ranging from $30K to $80K who are employed by Rossland workplaces.  Recent retirees of Rossland workplaces and Rossland residents employed or self-employed by a Lower Columbia Region workplace are secondary target populations and may also be considered for residency.  Rental rates will be determined with input from BC Housing. 

What will be the criteria used to qualify for housing?

Applicants for housing will need to qualify based on income and asset limits, and employment criteria.  Income and asset limits will be consistent with BC Housing guidelines.

What are the rental rates?

It is the intent of the housing project to provide rents affordable to low and moderate income workforce. The final rents and criteria for income will be confirmed closer to the completion of construction.

When will the building be ready for people to move in?

Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months, starting in June 2021 with completion expected in December 2022.  Occupancy would begin in early 2023.

How will construction affect the local neighbourhood and immediate neighbours?

Yellowridge Construction will employ a construction management plan to mitigate congestion for deliveries and loading and provide ongoing neighbourhood communication.

Construction noise will be limited to City of Rossland’s permitted construction hours.

Is this building going to shadow buildings and block views?

The building has been designed to be located on the southern portion of the property to minimize impact on adjacent residential areas.

Is the building site a safe location for City Hall and rental housing?

Environmental studies and mitigation work have already occurred on the site.  The Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment for the site specifies criteria for development of the site which warrants that the site will be safe.

There are no underground levels associated with the development. Some excavation will be required for the foundation. 

Will the City of Rossland have a role in selecting who will live in the building?

No, the City of Rossland does not have a role in the selection of tenants.

Who will be selecting the tenants for the building

The Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society (LCAHS) is fully responsible for receiving and reviewing the applications for housing and will be interviewing and selecting the individuals, couples and families who will live in the building.

When will people be able to apply for housing at the Rossland Yards Project?

The Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society anticipates beginning to accept applications for housing starting September 2022.

How do I get more info / contact LCAHS for some additional questions?

Please use our ‘Contact’ form to reach us.