Partnering with non-profit housing societies and community organizations, Columbia Basin Trust is investing nearly $3.3 million to make multi-unit rental homes more welcoming, accessible, safe, and resilient—benefiting seniors, families, and individuals in 17 communities. Affordable rental housing across the Columbia Basin will soon see major upgrades that enhance livability and emergency preparedness.
The improvements include accessible appliances, updated furniture for common areas, outdoor amenities like gazebos, barbecues, and patio sets, and recreation equipment that promotes physical activity and connection. These upgrades will strengthen accessibility, inclusiveness, and social well-being for residents.
The following projects illustrate how these upgrades are helping residents feel safer, more connected and better prepared for emergencies across the Basin. To see all livability improvement projects, click here. To see all emergency readiness projects, click here.
In areas vulnerable to power outages, new back-up power systems will ensure essential services such as heating, cooling, lighting, and communication remain available during emergencies.
“When we’re at home, we all want to feel comfortable and secure,” said Ulli Mueller, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “These projects will help people feel supported and connected in their homes and communities, while back-up power systems will bring peace of mind by keeping essential services running during outages.”
The following projects show how these investments are helping residents feel safer, more connected, and better prepared for emergencies across the Basin.
Creston – Catalpa Apartments
Operated by the Creston Trinity Housing Society, Catalpa Apartments offers 19 affordable homes for people aged 55 and older. A Trust livability grant will fund new front-load washers and dryers in the shared laundry room, improving accessibility for residents.
“Many of our residents are mobility challenged,” said James Gates, Operations Manager, Creston Valley Non-Profit Housing Collective. “These accessible machines will make daily tasks much easier.”
Fernie – Tom Uphill Manor
Tom Uphill Manor provides 27 independent living units for seniors and people with disabilities. Operated by the Fernie Family Housing Society, the livability grant will support the purchase of outdoor fitness equipment to promote physical activity and social connection.
“The new equipment will help improve balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health—while also reducing stress and loneliness,” said Sheila Sherburne, General Manager, Fernie Family Housing Society.
Salmo – Salmo Seniors Villa
The 24-suite Salmo Seniors Villa, operated by the Salmo Senior Citizens Housing Society, will install a 150kW back-up generator through the Trust’s Emergency Readiness program.
“This new generator is a real benefit,” said Bonnie Cassar, Chair of the Society. “It will power all 24 units, ensuring residents with mobility issues can safely remain in their apartments during outages.”
Valemount – Juniper Square 1 & 2
Juniper Square 1 and 2, managed by the Valemount Affordable Rentals Society, provide 21 homes for families, individuals, and seniors. The Trust’s funding will add a 38kW generator to Juniper Square 1 and an 80kW generator to Juniper Square 2.
“In Valemount, we’re sometimes prone to long power outages,” said Korie Marshall, Administrator. “These generators will help everyone stay warm, keep our buildings from freezing, and provide peace of mind for residents.”
Columbia Basin Trust continues to support the efforts of people in the Columbia Basin to strengthen social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives at ourtrust.org or call 1.800.505.8998.
