More affordable housing in Kenora has opened up led by a local indigenous community.
Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and the Kekekoziibii Development Corporation (KDC) celebrated the opening of their Kenora affordable housing project (KAHP) on June 23rd.
The new 24-unit housing development is located at 929 Eighth St. North behind the Evergreen Community Centre and Rink. It features 13 studio suites and 11 – 1-bedroom suites along with shared amenities, a program room and on-site supports to foster housing stability and opportunity.
“This project reflects our commitment to creating solutions that support both our own members and the broader Indigenous community,” said Chief Herb Green of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. “We know that safe and affordable housing is the foundation for success. When
people have stable housing, they are better able to pursue education, employment, and opportunities that improve the lives of their families. We are proud that Shoal Lake 40 First Nation is contributing to a solution that creates hope, stability, and opportunity for Indigenous people in Kenora and throughout the region.”
“This project is about more than housing,” added Chief Green. “It is about creating pathways to education, employment, independence, and a better future. It demonstrates what is possible when First Nations lead solutions that benefit not only their own members, but entire communities.”
Through a partnership with Four Winds, they will utilize 15 of the units for housing support for trainees and staff in an effort to remove barriers for program completion and success.
The development is one of the first Indigenous-led affordable housing projects of its kind in the region.
