The governments of Canada and Ontario are committing $475,000 to build community housing in Thorold and St. Catharines for Indigenous people. The funding will be delivered through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI).
The proposed Oonuhseh Niagara Native Homes project is planned for construction on Ormond Street in Thorold. The project funding, processed through Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, will go to the construction of five new homes, including a duplex in Thorold and a triplex in St. Catharines.
Adam Vaughan, Member of Parliament for Spadina-Fort York and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Steve Clark, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, made the announcement on July 29th.
“Home is a place of safety and refuge. Our government is dedicated to housing more Canadians which is why we are proud to have invested in these developments in Niagara Region. These new units are more than just safe and affordable places to live, they are key to a better life for the residents who call them home.”
Adam Vaughan, Member of Parliament for Spadina-Fort York and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
The announcement took place at the proposed site for the Oonuhseh Niagara Native Homes project on Ormond Street in Thorold.
Two homes on the lower floor of the Oonuhseh-Oakdale Ave triplex in St. Catharines will be wheelchair accessible. They will have wider entrances, lower countertops and washrooms with accessible features.
“Our government is committed to working with our Indigenous program administrators, like Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, to help build much needed housing for Indigenous people living off-reserve. These new buildings are one of the ways our government is ensuring Indigenous people can access the affordable housing and supports they need today, and in the years to come.”
– Steve Clark, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“Ensuring that Indigenous people have access to affordable housing that meets their needs is absolutely critical, especially during this challenging time. We look forward to continuing this vital work in collaboration with municipal, federal and Indigenous partners.”
Greg Rickford, Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs