Canadian Mortgage News

January 2003 National News Archive

New Housing for Families of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation

MANITOULIN ISLAND, Ontario, October 31, 2003 — The Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation today celebrated the official opening of seven new bungalows built to meet the housing needs of families.

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is providing an annual subsidy of some $29,000 for 25 years and financing of $627,424 towards the project, announced Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin on behalf of the Honourable Steven Mahoney, Secretary of State responsible for CMHC.

"The construction of these homes demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to affordable on-reserve housing", said Mr. St. Denis. "Federal strategies supporting Aboriginal housing are helping those most in need at the community level, and this project provides a new future for First Nations families."

"The official opening of these seven units is a proud day for our community", said Aundeck Omni Kaning Chief Patrick Madahbee. "Thanks to the financial assistance of CMHC, these new bungalows help to address the growing housing needs of families in our community. These homes represent the beginnings of our new subdivision, Emilia Heights, which once complete, will help to provide housing for years to come."

CMHC assists First Nations with the construction, purchase, rehabilitation, and administration of suitable, adequate and affordable rental housing on-reserve and provides subsidies to assist with financing and operation.

For further information, please contact:

Bill Beatty, Manager
Ontario Assisted Housing
(416) 218-3308
Angelina Ritacco, CMHC
(416) 250-3332

Backgrounder

Aundeck Omni Kaning (Ojibways of Sucker Creek)
Section 95 Program

Aundeck Omni Kaning is located on Manitoulin Island and accessible year round by highway 540. The community is approximately 120 km west of Sudbury. Several years ago, CMHC and the First Nation concluded some housing matters but not until recently did the two become involved in building housing under the Section 95 Non-Profit Housing Program. The First Nation has shown great enthusiasm for the project and constructed the units in a new subdivision.

Project

This project consists of the construction of seven 3-bedroom bungalows located on the First Nation. The grand opening is not only for the 7 Unit Section 95 project, but the opening of the new subdivision.

The unit plans were designed by United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Technical Services Unit, who were also responsible for conducting inspections on the construction under the Native Inspection Services Initiative (NISI) agreement with CMHC. All units were built using band labour and contracted specialty sub-trades and suppliers. Contracts were issued for the electrical, plumbing and heating and ventilation portion of the construction.

Project Financing and Viability

The entire project was financed by CMHC’s Direct Lending in the amount of $627,424. The project will receive an estimated $29,000 in annual subsidy from CMHC.

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)