Doors open to new Indigenous housing in Edmonton
Through this important project, Indigenous families, seniors, students and individuals with low incomes will have access to safe and affordable homes in north Edmonton.
Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc. will offer 32 units of affordable housing across four fourplexes, each with eight units. The buildings are conveniently located close to transit, schools and shopping amenities. Rent for these units is set at 30 per cent of gross household income – the standard for affordability.
Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Ahmed Hussen and Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon announced the opening of the first fourplex. The governments of Alberta and Canada jointly provided $6 million in funding ($3 million each). This project creates about 44 jobs.
“Through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program, Alberta’s government is supporting specialized projects to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples with low income. The Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc. housing project is an outstanding example of a community-focused housing project, delivered and owned by and for Indigenous peoples. I am pleased to help welcome tenants to their new homes.”Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That’s why our government is supporting this Indigenous-owned housing project in Edmonton, so that collectively, we are better able to support vulnerable populations with a home that meets their needs. These types of investments in our communities help create new jobs and stimulate the economy while providing access to safe, affordable homes. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Minister responsible for CMHC
“Everyone deserves access to safe, affordable and accessible housing. The Indigenous community is over-represented when it comes to data populations of those experiencing homelessness. This fourplex will be a welcome addition to help offset those numbers.”Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
“On behalf of Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc. (TCVI), Chiefs, citizens and Elders, we would like to sincerely thank the Government of Alberta for working diligently with us on this proposal for the past few years and for having it come to fruition for our members in need of housing. This will give them the opportunity to better their lives by virtue of living in new affordable homes to enhance their self-esteem and pursue their aspirations, whether it be education or employment. Further, this provides Indigenous ownership and control of affordable homes, which TCVI will be managing ethically and efficiently to better everyone’s lives.”Cameron Alexis, CEO, Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc.
This Indigenous housing project will prioritize residents from the six member First Nations of Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc.: Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Cold Lake First Nations, Frog Lake First Nation, Heart Lake First Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation and Whitefish Lake First Nation #128. However, all Indigenous peoples are eligible to apply.
The first eight units are now open and tenants are moving in. The remaining three fourplexes are currently under construction and are expected to be move-in ready this fall.
In Alberta, the funding is provided through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program (IHCP), which supports Indigenous governments and communities to build affordable off-reserve, off-settlement and on-settlement housing. The program ensures a flexible, autonomous approach and encourages public and private developers to partner with Indigenous governments and organizations.
Federal funding for the IHCP is provided through the 10-year bilateral housing agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, announced in spring 2019.
IHCP applications are accepted on a continuous basis and are available at alberta.ca/ihcp. The next quarterly deadline is Sept. 30.