Earlier this month, as one of her first tasks in the the role, Project Manager for the Cortes Community Housing Society Suzanne Fletcher oversaw a trail upgrade and expansion as part of an affordable housing initiative.

The project is being carried out by local contractors around the 51 acre property where the 24 unit affordable housing Rainbow Ridge development is taking place. Fletcher says trees that were taken down are being turned into firewood and made available to the Cortes Island community for free, as part of a secondary initiative. The firewood giveaway happens on April 23, when volunteers with trucks will deliver firewood to those in need and, in return, be able to take home a load for themselves.

A newly expanded trail on the edge of the Rainbow Ridge affordable housing development property. Photo by Greg Osoba.

Fletcher was hired last November to be the project manager for the Cortes Community Housing Society after she was approached by the society's Executive Director Sandra Wood, she says.

Initially, Fletcher was drawn to the project manager job due to the affordable housing crisis on the island. She says she sees the 24 townhome Rainbow Ridge project as a way to help address the housing shortage and sees it as essential.

Looking ahead, the housing society is applying this fall for financial support from BC Housing. If successful, construction on the townhomes will begin in fall 2024.

Community members who are interested in receiving firewood can learn more from Fletcher via email at: suzanne@fletcherfacilitation.com.

Suzanne Fletcher speaks with CKTZ in the interview below: