Q̓ᵂalayu House is a housing facility for pregnant women, and families with children seeking medical care in Campbell River and the facility is open to Cortes residents that fit this criteria and are travelling for medical care. The facility opened on July 12th, 2021.

Local Family Support Coordinator for the Cortes Community Health Association (CCHA) Desta Beattie is available to assist locals with the application process. Beattie said the sign up process is easy. 

“You can just send me an email. We'll set up a time to talk on the phone. The application maybe takes like 20 minutes over the phone and it's not invasive at all. And it's very simple,” Beattie said.

Q̓ᵂalayu was chosen for the name of the house because it is a traditional Kwakwaka’wakw word meaning "children and babies are the reason for being."

The house was established by the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. There is a small fee to stay per night in a room in the house. Amenities include private bathrooms, meeting rooms, play rooms, toys, robust kitchens, and bedrooms with two beds each. Contact cortesfsc@gmail.com to apply for use of the rooms. 

To learn more about the Q̓ᵂalayu House, listen to the CKTZ News Update below: