Alderville First Nation Prioritizes Housing with New Initiatives

Housing is emerging as a critical focus for the Alderville First Nation, located on the south side of Rice Lake near Roseneath. Chief Taynar Simpson emphasizes the need for diverse housing options to accommodate both young individuals seeking independence and seniors requiring health care support. With access to adequate housing a pressing issue, the leadership is committed to ensuring that all community members have a place to call home.

To address this challenge, Chief Simpson and the Alderville council are actively pursuing initiatives designed to enhance housing inventory. “We’ve built a lot of new homes and rental units for members, so increasing the housing inventory for members is front and centre for us right now,” Chief Simpson stated in an interview with kawarthaNOW. The demand for housing remains high, with many individuals on waiting lists and others seeking to return to Alderville after living elsewhere.

The chief noted, “A lot of them see the good that’s happening in the community and they want to be part of it.” In fact, there has been a growing interest from individuals who have never lived in Alderville but wish to relocate to the area. Chief Simpson remarked that many youth are currently living with parents but are ready to move into their own spaces.

“It’s really a never-ending challenge to meet all of these housing needs,” he added. To further support this effort, Alderville is nearing finalization of the First Nations Market Housing Fund, which will enable members to obtain mortgages similar to those available off reserve. Historically, banks have been reluctant to offer mortgages on reserves due to concerns over collateral recovery in case of default.

“With our mortgage housing fund that we have in place, we are guaranteeing the loans that the banks give through a fund,” Chief Simpson explained. This arrangement ensures that if a member defaults on a loan, the community can reimburse the bank for any losses. “It effectively allows members to take out a mortgage to buy their own home or to buy an existing home on reserve, which was never there before,” he added.

Alderville is one of the initial First Nation communities to enter into this agreement with the Crown, marking a significant step towards growth in housing availability. Currently, the community offers various rental options, including individual units, family units, and specialized housing for seniors. However, the demand for rental properties remains intense, with reports indicating that for every home listed for rent, there are typically seven to eight applicants.

In a proactive approach to further enhance housing options, Alderville has also begun purchasing homes from members who wish to sell. These properties are renovated to meet safety codes before being reintroduced to the market. “At one point we had 20 people who had applied for a house we were selling, which means there are 20 people who are looking for homes to buy outright in the community,” Chief Simpson noted.

The need for housing solutions extends beyond families and young adults. For seniors who require assistance but do not need long-term care, Alderville First Nation is refurbishing a former women’s shelter to create an assisted living facility. Chief Simpson anticipates the facility will feature 10 rooms for Elders who prefer to stay in the community while receiving appropriate support.

“This will allow a higher level of care for these individuals,” he said. “There will be personal support workers on site at all times.” The chief emphasized the importance of allowing Elders to remain in Alderville, stating, “We have a lot of Elders who refuse to leave their homes and refuse to leave Alderville… this way they can stay in Alderville and have that level of care.”

The goal is to complete the assisted living facility within the year. Chief Simpson, re-elected earlier this summer for a term from 2023 to 2025, leads a council that meets bi-monthly and as needed to govern the Alderville First Nation. Each councillor oversees various committees focused on specific programs, ensuring community needs are addressed effectively.

Alderville has been home to the Mississauga Anishinabeg of the Ojibway Nation since the mid-1830s, and the community remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its members. The ongoing housing initiatives reflect a commitment to meeting the needs of all residents, ensuring that everyone has access to a safe and supportive living environment.