The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Housing & Infrastructure Branch is announcing its Sault Ste. Marie Housing Development Pilot Project, a ground-breaking new affordable rental housing initiative to support low-income Métis households. In a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 26, the MNO will unveil 20 brand-new rental townhomes opening gradually over the next year, which will be available for rent below market rates.
Funded by the MNO’s Housing & Infrastructure Branch in partnership with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS), the investments into new rental units were identified by data collected from the 2021 MNO Housing Needs Assessment. The Sault Ste. Marie pilot project will support low to moderate income households living in MNO Region 4, which according to the Housing Needs Assessment reports the highest proportion of citizens with low and moderate household incomes (49.9%).
As the MNO continues to develop its housing strategy and address the shortage of affordable housing for MNO citizens, similar investments have been made in other communities identified in the Housing Needs Assessment as having urgent housing needs, including Kenora, Midland and Toronto.
The MNO is also developing long-term homelessness solutions through the Métis Housing Stabilization Program, funded by Reaching Home, a federal government program that is part of the Canadian Homelessness Strategy. The program is designed to address the growing issue of homelessness and housing instability by providing housing loss prevention and housing stabilization services. It supports individuals and families who are homeless, at immediate risk of becoming homelessness, or in an unstable housing situation.
The new, two-bedroom townhomes in Sault Ste. Marie will rent for $1,055 per month excluding the cost of utilities. Prospective tenants can access the rental application via the Infinity Property Management website, or by contacting Housing@metisnation.org or IPSleasing@metisnation.org.
Members of the media are welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 349 Patrick St. in Sault Ste. Marie on June 26 from 10am-11am ET. The event will include speeches, media interviews and a site-tour of the new housing units.
Officials attending the ceremony include MNO President, Margaret Froh, Region 4 Councillor, Mitch Case, President of the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council, Kim Powley and MNO North Channel Métis Council President, Roland Blanchette.
QUOTES:
“Every Métis citizen deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. With this latest announcement, we are demonstrating our firm commitment to addressing the issue of inadequate housing conditions and homelessness for our citizens across the province. Our government recognizes that proper housing supports Métis individuals, families, and communities in achieving their fullest potential.”
– Margaret Froh, MNO President
“This year, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of Métis Nation of Ontario. Initiatives like this affordable housing project underscore the fundamental purpose of our government: to provide essential services to Métis communities across Ontario. In 1995, when my father and other leaders in the community founded the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Metis Council, this is why they did it, to help make life better for our community.”
– Kim Powley, President of the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council
“We launched this affordable housing project after hearing from citizens about the growing need for safe, supportive, and affordable homes. We believe in evidence-based decision making, and making investments where they are needed. As we continue to build the capacity of the MNO to support Métis communities, we are committed to tackling Sault Ste. Marie’s cost-of-living crisis and helping all citizens find a home that meets their needs. This is one of the many ways our government is ensuring that no Métis family or elder is left behind.”
– Mitch Case, Region 4 Councillor
“The need for affordable housing is immense across Métis communities in Ontario, so this new pilot housing project could not come at a better time. This initiative highlights how our government is creating lasting positive change for Métis families, children and elders and transforming our communities for the better.”
– Roland Blanchette, MNO North Channel Métis Council President
About the MNO Housing & Infrastructure Branch
The Housing and Infrastructure Branch of the MNO provides housing services and housing stabilization supports to Métis citizens. The Housing and Infrastructure Branch’s mandate is to increase housing and related support options for Métis people across the housing continuum from homelessness to homeownership. Through the Housing and Infrastructure Branch, the MNO provides a variety of housing and homelessness services that MNO citizens can access. These include assistance in exiting homelessness, eviction prevention and rental assistance provided through the Métis Housing Stabilization. Homeowners supports including emergency repairs and first time homebuyers assistance are available through Housing Programs. Property Management services are provided by Infinity Property Services (IPS), an agency of the MNO.
About the MNO
In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of Métis people and their communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific, democratic, province-wide governance structure. The MNO represents and advocates on behalf of its citizens who are rights-bearing members of Métis communities that collectively hold rights, interests, and outstanding claims protected by sections 25 and 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including, but not limited to, the right of self-government. Ontario is home to the 2003 Powley decision, in which the Supreme Court of Canada recognized the existence of the Métis right to harvest for food that is protected by Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. Powley was—and remains—the only Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) decision affirming Métis rights protected by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
For Métis families in crisis or in need of emergency services, MNO Housing & Infrastructure offers additional supports for citizens through the Housing Stabilization Program (HSP). In addition to emergency services, HSP offers Housing-Based Case Management Services for further supports and resources for citizens, including those experiencing housing instabilities or at risk of homelessness. More information can be found on the MNO website.
Media Contact:
Victoria Belton
Senior Consultant, Media Profile
416-997-5179
Victoria.Belton@mediaprofile.com