Image: Cheam First Nation / Cheam First Nation east of Chilliwack says a 2,400-square foot addition to the Cheam Longhouse that will include a kitchen, washrooms and septic field is expected to be done by December 31 this year, just in time for winter. Project completion started in July 2023. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Cheam First Nation

New Cheam Longhouse addition in Cheam First Nation to be completed by year’s end

Nov 7, 2023 | 10:43 AM

CHILLIWACK — For the past two years, the chief and council members of Cheam First Nation east of Chilliwack have worked to secure funding to support a 2,400-square foot addition to the Cheam Longhouse for a kitchen, washrooms and septic field.

Cheam First Nation provided an update this past week that indicates the new longhouse addition should be completed by December 31.

Construction began on Monday, July 17 and should wrap up in time for winter.

In May 2022, Cheam First Nation was awarded funding through Pacific Economic Development for the project. Due to the rise in material costs, the Chief and Council supported a top-up to ensure project completion. Working with Station One Architects, the design process began, and once it was approved and the tendering process was completed, Gerry Enns Contracting was hired to build the Longhouse addition and septic field.