Our capital works department looks after things when they go wrong. This includes repair and maintenance of our houses as well as the things called ‘infrastructure’ which includes roads and looking after our community septic system.

We get lots of inquiries about repair and maintenance issues to homes and have to apply to CMHC or Aboriginal Affairs to see if your home is eligible for funding. They have strict rules and often, even if it is an emergency situation, a home cannot qualify if renovations have been done in the past 5-10 years.

If funds are not available from these sources,  we have to find money in Malahat’s regular operating budget or from mould or disability renovation programs. If there is an emergency situation, we need to get doctors’ letters, Health Canada reports, or other information in order to get emergency funding.

Please understand that it takes time to get funding. Sometimes it takes a year, sometimes three years and sometimes no funding at all is available.

That is why Chief and Council are always looking for ways to earn our own money through economic development. That way we can have money available for housing, repairs or maintenance.

What can you do?

Many of our homes are well maintained by the people who live in them. But sometimes you might no be aware of the things that you are responsible for around your home. Here is a good example of the kinds of things you can check for around your home to prevent mould.

(click on illustration for reading)

Repairs and maintenance of your home is important for the health and safety of your family and for the health of your home. A well maintained home can last for generations. It is important that you report problems with plumbing, water heaters, lighting fixtures and other things that can go wrong.