About Elk Valley Family Society

EVFS is a non-profit charitable organization that was founded in the late 1990s with the development of Chrysalis House (1998), a second-stage housing program for women and children fleeing domestic violence or those at risk. In partnership with BC Housing (BCH), EVFS currently provides a number of housing programs offering different levels of support in Fernie, and Sparwood. Its housing portfolio has grown to include a range of developments that serve seniors, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, and families across the Elk Valley.

As of fall 2025, our housing portfolio includes:

• Chrysalis House (Fernie) – 11 units (1998): Second-stage housing for women and children fleeing violence.

• Veneto Place (Fernie) – 40 units (2013): Affordable housing and housing for seniors and people with disabilities, with 27 units owned by EVFS and 13 units are owned by BCH and managed by EVFS on behalf of BCH.

• Sasko Manor (Sparwood) – 18 units (2013): Rent-geared-to-income housing for seniors and people with disabilities who can live independently.

• Timbers Landing Phase 1 (Sparwood) – 30 units (2025): Affordable housing and rent-geared-to income housing for families, seniors, singles, and individuals with disabilities.

By 2027, the following buildings will be added to our portfolio, bringing over 100 new units of affordable housing to the Elk Valley:

• Timbers Landing Phase 2 (Sparwood) – 32 units of mixed-market residential geared towards low-to moderate income households.

• Childcare and Affordable Housing Project (Fernie) – 27 units, with over 50% units available at below market, affordable rent, plus childcare space for 100 kids that will be leased to a childcare provider.

• The Old Firehall (Fernie) – 44 units for mixed incomes, plus ground floor commercial space. This housing will have 20-30% of units at a more affordable rate, and other units will be at market rates.

EVFS collaborates with local partners and BC Housing to ensure long-term, impactful housing solutions. As part of its core mission, EVFS seeks sustainable support funding for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Within its scope as a housing provider, the Society has also been responding to increased needs around mental health, addiction, and housing instability.