After four years of planning and development, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) has officially opened its newest affordable housing project in the Georgian Bay area.
On October 23, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) leadership, representatives from all levels of government, and project partners gathered in Midland for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the new affordable housing development.
Among those in attendance were MNO President Margaret Froh, Provincial Secretary for Housing and Homelessness Sharon Cadeau, Associate Provincial Secretary Greg Garratt, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty, Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers, Midland Mayor Bill Gordon, and Penetanguishene Mayor Doug Rawson. The dignitaries delivered remarks highlighting the importance of the development and the collaborative efforts that helped bring the project to completion.
Located at 283 Barnett Avenue, the new development features spacious, two-storey, three-bedroom homes designed by David Fortin with Métis families in mind. These new homes will provide safe, quality and affordable housing for eligible Métis households. The project includes 12 semi-detached and two detached units, bringing a total of 14 new affordable homes to the community.
The development represents another important step in the MNO’s ongoing commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities for Métis citizens across Ontario. It builds on previously completed housing projects in Toronto and Sault Ste. Marie, with an additional development planned for Kenora.
These initiatives have been informed by findings from the MNO’s 2022 Housing Census, which provided valuable insight into the housing needs of Métis citizens and identified communities where additional support is most needed.
The MNO Housing Branch continues to use this information to guide its work under the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, released in 2024.
These efforts are also supported by the Canada–Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, signed with the federal government in 2018, which committed $500 million over 10 years to support Métis-led housing initiatives across Canada.
As part of its ongoing efforts to better understand and address housing needs, the Housing Branch will launch another housing survey in January 2027, running through June. The results will help inform future housing initiatives and ensure that MNO programs continue to respond to the evolving needs of Métis citizens across the province.
The MNO extends its congratulations to our Housing Branch for this monumental undertaking that will ensure 14 Métis families in need have safe, comfortable and affordable housing.