Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is providing more than $1.8 million to build 30 affordable housing units in Cambridge, including 23 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom culturally appropriate affordable rental units for the KW Urban Native wigwam project.
Community space will be created for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Cambridge where the Indigenous community can hold traditional ceremonies and create cultural experiences.
“Community and supportive housing is a critical component of our commitment to build 1.5 million new homes over the next 10 years, which will ensure that all Ontarians, especially our most vulnerable, have a home that meets their needs and budget,” said Michael Parsa, associate minister.
Located in Cambridge’s downtown, the project is part of the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which provided $1.2 billion of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions.
“Today’s announcement is wonderful news for Cambridge and the Indigenous community,” said MPP Brian Riddell. “Everyone deserves safe, affordable housing, and this project will provide that and so much more to those who call it home. This investment in our community will have a tremendous impact on our collective effort to address the need for affordable housing in Cambridge and across the province.”
The Region of Waterloo has been allocated over $39 million under the SSRF.
“K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project is very grateful for the funding support from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for this amazing build,” said Lee Ann Hundt, Executive Director, KW Urban Native Wigwam Project. “This project will be the first for the City of Cambridge as well as the Indigenous community. We have never had one-bedroom units available before and we are very excited to offer this to our single people, couples, elders and students, Chi-Miigwetch (Big Thank you) from all of us.”