Home Building and Renovations Underway

Opaskwayak leadership are continuing to make housing a top priority. The Infrastructure Branch has secured $8,065,000 through the Rapid Housing Initiative to build 10 5-plex buildings. In order to gain access to this funding, Opaskwayak had to contribute 40 per cent equity into this project, while CMHC contributed approximately $4.8 million. 

This funding has also allowed for Opaskwayak to build more types of homes at a faster pace than in years past. So far, two of those units have been completed. Currently, there are eight 5-plex units still under construction. Each 5-plex consists of four one-bedroom units and a two-bedroom unit. 

“There is a national housing crisis in First Nations and has been for decades,” said Joel Pelly, councillor and Infrastructure portfolio holder. “Here in Opaskwayak, we are trying to curb those numbers by finding other funding alternatives beyond the status quo the government gives to each community. We are also putting our own resources into housing as much as possible because we know that in order for people to become successful, their basic living standards need to be met. The only way to make Opaskwayak a successful community is to ensure our members have access to homes.”

“The only way to make Opaskwayak a successful community is to ensure our members have access to homes.”
– Joel Pelly, Councillor & Infrastructure Portfolio Holder

Other housing projects, through Indigenous Services Canada and Section 95 funding, were completed this past fall, including:

• 3 four-bedroom bungalows (ISC)
• 1 five-bedroom bungalow (ISC)
• 5 four-bedroom bungalows (Section 95)

In the 2023 calendar year, there will be a total of 20 houses and eight 5-plex units built, including:

• 5 two-bedroom bungalows (Section 95)
• 7 three-bedroom bungalows (Section 95)
• 3 three-bedroom bungalows (ISC)
• 5 three-bedroom bungalows (ISC)