As we look back on 2025, we are proud to share what has truly been a banner year for Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing (BIRCH). Together with Bowen Island Municipality (BIM), community partners, and our dedicated volunteers and staff, we have made extraordinary progress toward creating and preserving homes for the people who make our island thrive.
A Historic Milestone: The BIRCH/BIM Partnering Agreement
This year marked a transformative step for community housing on Bowen. BIRCH and BIM entered into a formal partnering agreement that officially designates BIRCH as the municipality’s community housing partner. Under this agreement, BIRCH will build and acquire community housing and will also serve in an advisory capacity to the planning department, helping ensure alignment with BIM’s community housing policies and the diverse housing needs of our island community. This partnership is the culmination of years of shared vision and collaborative work—an achievement we celebrate with deep gratitude.
Operational Funding & New Staff Capacity
Concurrent with the Partnering Agreement, BIM allocated three years of operating funds from its federal Housing Accelerator Fund. This foundational investment has allowed BIRCH to establish its first staffed team, including:
• Executive Director
• Housing Development Manager
• Administrative Manager
With dedicated staff now in place, BIRCH is better equipped than ever to deliver on its mandate and accelerate progress on community housing solutions.
Hemlock Hill Village (1033 Miller Road) – Project Update
In partnership with the Lookout Health and Housing Society, significant milestones were reached in 2025 as this much-anticipated project moves toward construction:
• All permits have been submitted and are expected to be issued in January
• Funding is in the final approval stages
• Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026
Hemlock Hill Village will deliver much-needed secure rental housing for Bowen Island, and we are energized by its momentum.
Lot 1 – Moving Into the Next Phase
At its December meeting, BIM Council approved $150,000 in pre-development project funds for BIRCH to continue advancing work on Lot 1. We have engaged New Commons Developments to help guide us through this exciting project. These funds will support:
• Site due diligence (environmental, biological, topographical, and geotechnical assessments)
• Market survey and housing needs analysis
• Site and infrastructure planning
• Financial modeling and project phasing
Lot 1 represents a unique opportunity to shape the future of community housing on Bowen, and these next steps are critical to that vision.
With Gratitude – Our Board of Directors
We extend a heartfelt and enormous thank you to our volunteer Board of Directors for their unwavering commitment and countless volunteer hours. Their perseverance and dedication over many years have paved the way for the remarkable progress we celebrate today. We are also pleased to welcome our newest board members Philippa Gumley and Alex Jurgensen, as well as welcoming back past board member Tim Wake, all of whom bring additional depth and expertise to our dedicated team.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Housing Survey
In early 2026, BIRCH will launch the next island-wide Housing Survey, following up on our 2019 and 2022 surveys. We encourage all residents, employers, and off-island workers who commute here to participate. Your input will guide community housing strategies for Bowen Island. Please keep an eye out for the survey—and help us spread the word.
Thank You for Your Continued Support
The progress of 2025 has been extraordinary, and it would not have been possible without the support, insights, and engagement of the Bowen Island community.
We look forward to continuing this work together in 2026.
Warmly,
The BIRCH Board and Team
