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A new fourplex of affordable housing units for Indigenous people in Edmonton has tenants moving in and more are set to open in the fall.
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Thirty-two units of affordable housing across four fourplexes, containing eight units each with a variety of bedrooms and run by Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc., are being funded in part through $6 million from the federal and provincial governments. officials announced Thursday.
Rent for these units will be set at 30 per cent of gross household income.
The 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.
Cameron Alexis, CEO of Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc. (TCVI) said the plans have been in the works for years.
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“This will give (residents) 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,” he said in a statement.
“Further, this provides Indigenous ownership and control of affordable homes, which TCVI will be managing ethically and efficiently to better everyone’s lives.”
In Alberta, the funding is being provided through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program (IHCP), part of a 10-year bilateral housing agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta that was announced in the spring of 2019.
“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,” Alberta Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson said in a statement.
“This fourplex will be a welcome addition to help offset those numbers.”
