Ottawa, Ontario (July 8, 2010) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today congratulated the Alderville First Nation, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and the Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation on the opening of their innovative multi-unit housing developments. These projects were made possible through investments under Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP).
"The grand opening of these multi-unit housing facilities is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when First Nations and the Government of Canada work in partnership to meet the housing needs of community members," said Minister Strahl. "These three First Nations should be proud of their efforts to improve the quality of life for members of their communities."
"It is important that our senior citizens have adequate housing, and we are thrilled to be able to do just that with the assistance of the Government of Canada," said Alderville First Nation Chief JimBob Marsden. "We will continue to work with our partners to ensure infrastructure is in place to support our residents."
"The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte would like to greatly acknowledge the contribution from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada through Canada's Economic Action Plan for the funding that made this multi-unit housing project a success," said Chief R. Donald Maracle. "Also, thank you to all of the contractors and Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte staff who worked so diligently and quickly on this project to be able to provide six more families with affordable, comfortable, and more energy efficient housing."
"With the support of the Government of Canada, we are able to provide living environments promoting the well-being of our community members," said Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation Chief Roy Michano. "Housing developments like this one give greater hope and opportunity for the individuals and families in our community."
The construction of the multi-unit housing project at the Alderville First Nation started in September 2009 and was completed in June 2010. The Government of Canada provided $956,250 for these two-bedroom units that will address the housing needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the community.
The construction of the multi-unit housing project for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation started in February 2010, and was completed June 2010. The Government of Canada provided $675,000 for the six-plex housing development containing three-bedroom units.
The construction of the multi-unit housing project for the Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation started in October 2009, and was completed in June 2010. The Government of Canada provided $ 718,750 for lot servicing and the construction of the six-plex which contains four, three-bedroom units and two, two-bedroom units. The units were built to meet energy-efficient guidelines resulting in low operating costs for the residents of the homes.
These housing projects are three of 13 multi-unit housing developments being funded under CEAP on-reserve housing initiative in Ontario. Funding has also been allocated under CEAP in Ontario for the renovation of 635 housing units, the servicing of 187 lots for future housing development and the upgrading of 71 housing units for First Nation members' home ownership.
These projects are also part of the $400 million investment under CEAP to support First Nations nationally in the construction of new on-reserve housing, renovations, or existing social housing, and for complementary housing activities.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Press Secretary
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
