TERRACE — A notorious local eyesore that once stood as a symbol of urban decay on the Bench is poised for a major revitalization. On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Terrace City Council voted unanimously to support a $200,000 grant application to help transform the former Coachman Apartments into “The Benchmark,” a modern 48-unit rental complex.
The building, located at 4204 Sparks Street, has sat vacant for two years after a catastrophic series of events led to its closure. In early 2024, the Terrace fire chief declared the structure uninhabitable following years of systemic neglect, black mould complaints, and a final tipping point during Christmas 2023 when frozen water pipes burst, flooding multiple units and damaging interior walls and flooring.
A Proactive Pivot for Local Rental Stock
The developer, Skeena Sparks Street (incorporated in late 2024), plans an extensive $2.4-million renovation. The project aims to strip the “decrepit” interiors and overhaul the exterior with new cladding, windows, patio doors, and enhanced landscaping to modernize the building’s aesthetic.
City Development Services Director David Block emphasized that while the $200,000 grant—the maximum allowed under the Northern Housing Incentive program—is a small fraction of the total budget, the addition of 48 units is invaluable to the city’s strained housing market.
“The new owners have projected market rental rates… about 20 per cent below the brand-new market housing we’re seeing,” Block told Council. “These would be very nice units once renovated in today’s market.”
Addressing the “Shadow Population” and Workforce Needs
The project arrives at a critical juncture for Terrace. As the region solidifies its role as the service hub for the “mining renaissance” and LNG expansion, housing demand has skyrocketed. The “Benchmark” units are specifically designed to be “deeply affordable” relative to new construction, targeting the workforce and seniors who have been priced out by the recent industrial boom.
The Council’s support for the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) grant application highlights a strategic shift toward reclaiming existing derelict housing rather than relying solely on new subdivisions to meet the needs of a growing “shadow population.”
Leadership and Integrity – Councillor Brian Downie
The meeting saw a brief procedural pause as Councillor Brian Downie recused himself from the discussion and vote. Downie left the chambers due to a conflict of interest, as his son, Stephen, is a principal in the Skeena Sparks Street development company.
This move is consistent with the standard of integrity Downie has brought to City Hall for nearly two decades. First elected in 2005, Downie is one of Terrace’s longest-serving and most dedicated public officials. Beyond his legislative duties, he is a pillar of the community, recently recognized as the District 5040 Rotarian of the Year and a recipient of a BC Achievement Foundation Community Award.
Whether he is overseeing the Terrace Rotary Auction, which raised over $75,000 this year for local projects, or advocating for heritage preservation, Downie’s “Service Above Self” philosophy remains a stabilizing force for the city. His decision to recuse himself ensures that even as his family contributes to the city’s housing solution, the public’s trust in Council remains paramount.
The successful grant application will now move to the NDIT board for final approval in late February 2026, with the developer aiming to return the first units to the market later this year.
