Rossland Yards: Transforming affordable housing in Rossland, BC
SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
New construction of sustainable affordable housing
Case Study
This article is part of a series called Transforming communities with Sustainable Affordable Housing. The series demonstrates how energy-efficient, community-centered housing can foster resilience and well-being. Discover practical solutions for affordable, climate-friendly homes that improve lives and build a sustainable future.
In the mountain town of Rossland, BC, Rossland Yards, an ambitious affordable housing project developed by the Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society (LCAHS), is making waves. Now that the 37-unit building is complete, LCAHS reflects on the journey, sharing insights into the impact it’s having on residents, the organization, and the community.
A new chapter for LCAHS and its residents
For the LCAHS, which has been providing affordable housing across the Kootenay Boundary region since 2013, the completion of Rossland Yards is a significant milestone. With 19 one-bedroom, 14 two-bedroom units, and 4 three-bedroom, the project directly supports local workers, ensuring the community can house essential service providers and workforce families.
“We've seen strong interest in the one- and three-bedroom units, particularly from singles and families,” said Tanya Dale from LCAHS. The units are reserved for tenants who meet BC Housing’s low- to moderate-income criteria, ensuring that the focus remains on serving the community's workforce.
The building is thoughtfully designed to reflect the needs of Rossland’s residents. Storage is plentiful, recognizing the community’s love of outdoor activities like skiing and camping. Bike storage, a highly sought-after feature, is already packed—underscoring the importance of aligning housing design with local active lifestyles.
Resident feedback: Comfort, security, and efficiency
Rossland Yards has quickly become a preferred home for many, thanks to the building’s high energy-efficiency standards. The project incorporates heat pumps for cooling and heat, triple-pane windows, and a well-insulated envelope, which not only improves comfort but also ensures resilience against extreme weather.
“People appreciate how quiet and comfortable the building is—it’s not something you find easily in Rossland, where older, drafty homes are common,” Dale noted.
Energy efficiency has been a key goal, and for many residents, it has brought substantial benefits. "Heating costs are significantly lower, which has been a game-changer for tenants transitioning from older, less efficient homes," Dale explained. "While the 24/7 air filtration system does add to electricity use, the overall savings on heating have made a noticeable difference in utility costs for our residents."
Beyond the numbers, the feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. Tenants feel secure in their new homes, appreciating the building’s thoughtful features, including cooling systems for hot summer days—a rarity in the area—and soundproofing between floors, which ensures a peaceful living experience.
Strengthening the organization and the community
Rossland Yards has brought both challenges and exciting new opportunities to the LCAHS. Its location above Rossland City Hall has fostered a strong partnership with the municipality, enabling shared services like snow removal, garbage collection, and building maintenance.
"Having the city as a partner has been a huge asset, providing visibility and practical support," said Dale. "This project truly shows what’s possible when local governments and housing providers come together."
While the partnership introduced some complexities, such as managing strata governance and insurance due to divided ownership among LCAHS, the City of Rossland, and the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. "If we had to do it again, we might explore simpler models, but the collaborative support has been invaluable," Dale noted.
The impact of Rossland Yards has been substantial, now housing nearly 1 percent of the town’s population—a remarkable achievement for a community of 4,000.
"It’s incredible to know we’re making such a real difference," Dale reflected. "And while there was some initial hesitation about a larger development downtown, the community has come to embrace it, recognizing the value it brings to Rossland."
Future plans and lessons learned
As the LCAHS looks ahead, the focus remains on ensuring the building serves residents and the community for years to come. “We expect some turnover as people's lives change, but we’re already seeing tenants settle in for the long term,” Dale said. “Our goal is to keep offering stable housing for those who need it.”
“This project has been a learning experience. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned—especially with construction delays—but the results have been worth it. We’ve created something that truly serves the people of Rossland, and we’ve shown that thoughtful design and strong partnerships can overcome challenges.”
A lasting impact on Rossland
With its successful completion, Rossland Yards demonstrates that affordable housing can be more than just shelter—it can enhance quality of life, strengthen community bonds, and contribute to environmental goals. Stories like Rossland Yards remind us of the critical role affordable housing plays in building resilient communities.
LCAHS’s work on Rossland Yards provides a model for future projects across Canada, proving that with the right partnerships and community-focused design, even small towns can make a big impact.
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