Witset First Nation Housing Department

The Witset First Nation (WFN) Housing Department provides safe, sustainable, and affordable homes for WFN members. The department manages housing programs, construction projects, renovations, and maintenance to ensure all homes meet safety standards.

Our Housing Manager, Donna Van Tunen, works with government programs to secure funding for new homes on behalf of our members. The Housing Department also maintains a Housing List, where renovation requests are organized into two categories: Mould Renovations and RRAP Renovations.
If your name is already on the list and some time has passed, please visit the Housing Department to confirm your current needs and intentions, as the list is updated regularly.

For more information, contact Donna at donna.vantunen@witset.ca or call (250) 847-2133 ext. 232.

Rental Housing

There are 42 rental units on reserve:

26 units funded by BC Housing
16 units funded through CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI)

Units range from bachelor suites to three-bedroom homes. Most utilities are included, but tenants are responsible for their own hydro.

To apply:

Submit a completed rental application to the Housing Department
Update your application each year to remain on the waiting list

Tenant responsibilities:
Pay rent on time, maintain cleanliness, and report damages, leaks, or pest issues.

For more information about the Yikh Lhiw Dinle Housing Society and RHI projects, visit www.witsethousingsociety.ca.

Section 95 Rent-to-Own Program

WFN partners with CMHC to provide subsidized housing for members who cannot access traditional mortgages.

Tenancy includes a 10-year rental followed by a 15-year rent-to-own option
Total term of 25 years before ownership transfer
31 Section 95 homes currently on reserve

Applicants are encouraged to update their applications yearly to remain eligible.

Loan Guarantee Program

WFN works with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and RBC Hagwilget to provide Ministerial Loan Guarantees for eligible members. Applicants must have stable, full-time income. The Housing Department will assist with documentation and the application process.

Financial Assistance Programs

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP)
Supports major home repairs and accessibility upgrades to improve safety and living conditions.

Housing Support Program (HSP)
Provides subsidies for health and safety renovations, housing policy development, and training.

Elders Emergency Fund (EEF)
Assists on-reserve Elders with urgent home repairs or adaptations.

Up to $2,500 every two years
Members aged 65+ automatically qualify
Members aged 55+ with a medical disability may qualify with a doctor’s note

Housing Department Team

Donna VanTunen – Housing Manager
(250) 847-2133 ext. 238 | donna.vantunen@witset.ca

Kierra Stevens – Tenant Relations Coordinator
(250) 847-2133 ext. 232 | tenantrelations@witset.ca

Mailing Address

Witset First Nation Housing Department
#3 – 205 Beaver Road
Smithers, BC V0J 2N1
Phone: (250) 847-2133
Fax: (778) 776-1017
Toll-Free: 1-800-881-1218
Website: www.witset.ca

Housing