Home ownership key to Indigenous housing project

The Paul First Nation project involves the construction of 24 new affordable rental and rent-to-own units in Edmonton for Paul Band members.

The Government of Alberta funding is provided through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program (IHCP), which supports Indigenous governments and communities to build affordable off-reserve, off-settlement and on-settlement housing.

The project will support about 50 jobs.

Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen and Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon announced the contributions to the project on behalf of the federal and provincial governments.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. We are listening to Indigenous communities and their housing needs, and that’s why we are investing in innovative affordable housing projects like this because it creates healthier and more vibrant communities. This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.”

“No relationship is more important to our government than the one with Indigenous Peoples. That is why we are committed to supporting better housing outcomes for Indigenous communities and we are quickly creating safe and affordable homes all across the country for those in housing need. With our Indigenous partners and the provincial government, we are delivering regional housing solutions for communities from coast to coast to coast. Congratulations to Paul First Nation on this innovative project, and I am sure it will have a positive impact on the community in the very near future.”

“For the first time, a housing project funded through our Indigenous Housing Capital Program is offering tenants a rent-to-own option. The Paul First Nation project reflects the flexibility of this program and we are proud to support this new housing and the promise to make home ownership a reality for Paul First Nation members.”

“The availability of affordable, accessible off-reserve housing is important. These 24 units supported by IHCP for Paul First Nation provide equitable access and necessary supports in urban areas. This is a great development and I look forward to continued success.”

“As the chief and council of Paul First Nation, it's our responsibility to look after the needs of our membership both on-reserve and off-reserve. The rent-to-own model is a housing alternative for our membership living off-reserve that supports a sustainable future with all resources made available for a better life. We are honoured and grateful to have the support from the provincial government, the federal government and the City of Edmonton that have come together and joined our efforts. I feel we are well on our way towards not only a brighter today, but a tomorrow that brings opportunity for change.”

“I’m so pleased to see all orders of government working together to provide these 24 affordable housing units in our city. Every single affordable housing unit provided is a step in the right direction and this Indigenous-led housing will make a difference in the lives of families and seniors from the Paul First Nation.” 

The IHCP ensures a flexible, autonomous approach, which encourages public and private developers to partner with Indigenous governments and organizations on housing projects. The government accepts IHCP applications on a continuous basis at alberta.ca/ihcp.

Supporting community-driven projects like the rent-to-own initiative undertaken by the Paul First Nation is a key action under Alberta’s Stronger Foundations affordable housing strategy and responds to the recommendations of the 2020 Affordable Housing Review Panel.

Federal funding for the IHCP is provided through the 10-year bilateral housing agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, announced in spring 2019.

Quick facts

• The governments of Alberta and Canada will provide joint funding of $3 million under the National Housing Strategy’s bilateral agreement toward the project.

• Paul First Nation is working with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to secure up to $4.5 million through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund for the project and $250,000 in seed funding.

• The City of Edmonton is providing a $1.5-million grant.

• The Paul Band Property Management Corporation will contribute a minimum of $685,000, about 10 per cent of the total project cost, to cover its contribution toward the total capital costs.

• Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $72-plus billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home.

• The NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial and territorial governments and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life and people with experience of housing need.

• All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial and territorial governments will respect the key principles of the NHS that support partnerships, people and communities.

• Stronger Foundations: Alberta’s 10-year plan to improve and expand affordable housing reflects advice from the Affordable Housing Review Panel to redefine the government’s role, tap into community expertise, expand partnerships and simplify the system.

• Alberta Seniors and Housing’s Capital Plan 2022 allocates $281 million over three years to provide 2,300 new and regenerated affordable housing units while supporting more than 2,000 jobs.

Associated links

• As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers, and the housing industry. For more information, please visit cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

• To find out more about NHS, visit placetocallhome.ca.

• The Alberta Ministry of Seniors and Housing fosters the development of affordable housing and supports access to housing options for Albertans most in need. The ministry works with seniors, their families and caregivers, Albertans who require housing supports, and communities and other government partners. A more detailed description of the ministry and its programs and initiatives can be found at alberta.ca/ministry-seniors-housing.aspx.

Editor's note: the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation also issued this news release on Oct. 3, 2022.