The Revelstoke Community Housing Society operates three properties in town, which contribute 38 units to the affordable renting market. The latest opened this summer, 24 one-bedroom units at the Bridge Creek building on Humbert Street.

All 38 of the units managed by the society are rented out.

"This is a big success for us as a society, 24 units becoming available and being rented fairly quickly feels hopeful because it shows success and it shows the ability to move ahead with a project, and partnerships that were pretty complex." Said Sheena Wells, the vice chair of the society.

The Bridge Creek apartments are affordable housing. Rent is $1150 per month plus utilities. The proposal to build this complex was put together in 2018, and the cost of construction has nearly doubled since then, said Michael Brooks-Hill, the interim chair of the society.

The City of Revelstoke leased the land for one dollar a year, and B.C. Housing pays for construction costs. RCHS took out a mortgage to cover a percentage of the construction cost.

"Had the construction costs been lower the rents would have been lower as well," said Brooks-Hill.

The RCHS is made up of volunteers, except for part-time operations and maintenance workers. Wells said with the city adopting a new Official City Plan, and creating new regulations around affordable housing and short term rentals, things are looking positive for the future.

Brooks-Hill says he doesn't see anything changing right away, but there should be more affordable housing available in the next three to four years.

Click below to hear a full interview with Sheena Wells and Michael Brooks-Hill.