Ontario Investing in Indigenous Supportive Housing in North Bay

Province helping Indigenous people with affordable housing and supports

September 16, 2019

North Bay ― The Ontario government is investing over $2.5 million in the City of North Bay to give people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless the housing and support services they need.

With the help of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre will build 17 new apartments for Indigenous people and offer services such as addiction counselling, cultural services and mental health supports.

“Our government is committed to working with local Indigenous Program Administrators to deliver programs for Indigenous people living off-Reserve,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This year, we are investing more than $13 million to help Indigenous individuals and families all across the province access the housing and services they need.”

The new apartment building is expected to open next year.

“Our government is proud to work with Indigenous service providers to provide quality off-Reserve affordable and supportive housing,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and MPP for Nipissing. “Once complete, this new facility will provide both a home and the supports people need, in a way that respects Indigenous cultures and beliefs.”

Quick Facts

• Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services is a corporation with a mandate to provide safe and affordable housing to urban and rural First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living off-Reserve in Ontario.
• Ontario has more than 20 supportive housing programs assisting people with a wide range of supports, including Indigenous people, those with mental health issues, people with developmental disabilities, seniors, youth and people who have experienced homelessness.
• The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing works with other ministries to identify opportunities to streamline and improve co-ordination of the province’s supportive housing programs.

Media Contacts

Julie O’Driscoll
Minister’s Office
Julie.O’Driscoll@ontario.ca

Conrad Spezowka
Communications Branch
MMA.media@ontario.ca
416-585-7066

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