A unique housing development involving repurposed shipping containers is being built in West Nipissing.

MP Marc Serré announced Ottawa is contributing over $2.16 million for the 14 affordable homes, which will be for those who identify as Indigenous and at risk of homelessness.

“We are proud to be a supporter of this innovative project. The West Nipissing Housing Development will help some of the most vulnerable in our community by providing a safe place to call home for those who are at risk of homelessness. Through the National Housing Strategy, our government has an ambitious goal of reducing chronic homelessness in Canada by at least 50%. The work being done here by Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services is one more step towards achieving that goal,” says Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development.

There’s also provincial funding involved.

“Six of these innovative units are funded by the province’s Indigenous Supportive Housing Program. We have contributed $900,000 to this project through this program, which offers both capital and operating dollars to Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services to increase the supply of supportive housing units for Indigenous people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It provides both a home, and the supports people need to remain in that home, in a way that respects Indigenous culture and beliefs,” says Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

“Affordable housing is in high demand throughout the region and northern Ontario. This housing project is a partnership of all stakeholders. West Nipissing is always receptive to partnerships that contributes to our social economic needs,” says Joanne Savage, Mayor of West Nipissing.

“This development is a great example of what can be accomplished when federal, provincial and municipal governments work together in partnership with Indigenous organizations to provide people with housing opportunities that are so desperately needed. When we can also simultaneously deliver net-zero energy housing, this demonstrates our commitment to both the environment and to long-term financial sustainability. Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services is ready to do more work together,” says Justin Marchand, Executive Director of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services

Officials say the West Nipissing Housing Development will have net zero energy consumption.

Three of the units will be fully accessible.

 

(Photo submitted)

Filed under: West Nipissing Housing Development