1. Introduction

The Kootenay Workforce Housing Society (KWHS) invites submissions from qualified and experienced organizations or individuals to provide housing operations and/or property management services for current and future workforce housing developments in the Central Kootenay region and potentially beyond.

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is intended to identify and pre-qualify respondents with demonstrated experience, capacity, and expertise to act as a long-term operating and/or property management partner to KWHS.

KWHS anticipates using the results of this RFQ to establish a qualified roster or shortlist of operators and/or property managers who may be invited to participate in one or more future Requests for Proposals (RFPs) related to specific housing projects.

2. About the Kootenay Workforce Housing Society

The Kootenay Workforce Housing Society is a non-profit society established by Community Futures Central Kootenay to support the development of workforce housing across the Central Kootenay region and beyond. The Society focuses on addressing housing needs for moderate-income, working individuals and families, recognizing workforce housing shortages as a critical barrier to local economic development.

Community Futures Central Kootenay brings strong experience in financial stewardship, commercial property ownership and management, grant administration, and community economic development. KWHS seeks to build on this foundation by acting as a housing delivery and ownership entity, working in partnership with municipalities, senior governments, Indigenous partners, private sector developers, and community organizations.

3. Context: Initial Project and Future Developments

KWHS is currently undertaking feasibility work related to a proposed workforce housing development in Castlegar, British Columbia, in partnership with the City of Castlegar and Kalesnikoff Mass Timber.

While this RFQ is informed by the needs of this initial project, KWHS’s intention is to identify qualified partners capable of supporting multiple future housing developments, which may vary in scale, tenure, and operating model.

Respondents should demonstrate experience relevant to:

1. Purpose-built rental housing;
2. Workforce and affordable housing;
3. Small to mid-sized residential developments (8 – 40 units); and
4. Long-term asset stewardship and tenant-focused operations.

4. Scope of Services

KWHS is seeking qualifications from respondents who may provide some or all of the following services, depending on project needs:

4.1 Property Management Services

1. Tenant intake, leasing, and onboarding;
2. Rent collection and arrears management;
3. Maintenance coordination and asset upkeep;
4. Contractor procurement and oversight;
5. Financial reporting and budgeting support;
6. Compliance with residential tenancy legislation; and
7. Management of funder and lender requirements, including operating agreements, ongoing compliance and reporting.

4.2 Housing Operations / Operator Services

1. Day-to-day building operations
2. Implementation of operating policies and procedures
3. Tenant relations and issue resolution
4. Alignment with affordability and workforce housing objectives
5. Reporting to ownership and funders
6. Coordination with service partners, where applicable

Respondents may propose qualifications, such as:

1. Property manager only
2. Housing operator only
3. Integrated operator/property manager

5. Submission Requirements

Respondents are asked to submit a qualifications package that includes the following:

5.1 Organizational Overview:

1. Legal name and structure
2. Years in operation
3. Primary areas of business
4. Organizational chart and key personnel

5.2 Relevant Experience

KWHS places a high priority on demonstrated experience.

Respondents should provide:

1. A description of experience managing or operating residential housing projects;
2. Experience working with non-profit, municipal, or publicly funded housing projects (if applicable); and
3. Details of at least three (3) comparable projects, including:
   • Location and size (number of units)
   • Type of housing (e.g., workforce, affordable, market rental)
   • Services provided
   • Length of engagement

5.3 Capacity and Approach

1. Current portfolio size and staffing capacity
2. Geographic presence and ability to operate in the Central Kootenay region and beyond
3. Systems and tools used for property management and reporting
4. Approach to tenant relations and asset stewardship

5.4 Financial and Risk Management

1. Overview of financial controls and reporting practices
2. Insurance coverage
3. Experience managing operating budgets

5.5 References

At least three (3) references from recent or current clients for similar work

6. Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following indicative criteria:

1. Relevant housing operations / property management experience
2. Experience with non-profit, workforce, or affordable housing
3. Organizational capacity and resources
4. Quality of references

KWHS reserves the right to adjust evaluation criteria.

7. Outcome of RFQ

This RFQ does not constitute a commitment to award a contract. Successful respondents may:

1. Be placed on a pre-qualified list for future housing projects
2. Be invited to participate in one or more future RFPs
3. Be engaged for early advisory or transitional services, subject to further agreement

8. Terms and Conditions

• KWHS is not responsible for any costs incurred in preparing a submission.
• KWHS reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submissions.
• Information provided will be treated as confidential, subject to applicable legislation.

Questions regarding this RFQ may be submitted in writing to: aw*****@********bc.ca