City of Calgary funding is helping to grow Indigenous-led, non-market housing units in the city.
Funding through a City of Calgary program is helping to grow Indigenous-led, non-market housing units in the city.
Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya is the City of Calgary’s Indigenous Housing program, which has recently awarded $33 million to 16 Indigenous nations and Indigenous-led-non-profit organizations, which will deliver upwards of 379 new non-market homes for Indigenous Calgarians through two dozen projects.
“As The City’s largest ever investment in housing for Indigenous Calgarians, today’s announcement marks a major step forward in our commitment to reconciliation and equity,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas stated in a media release. “This funding will create 379 new non-market homes for Indigenous individuals and families in housing need, addressing systemic and long-standing barriers to housing choice, affordability and cultural safety.”
This program is grounded in the principle of “For Indigenous, By Indigenous,” which helps to address the deep-rooted systemic barriers that Indigenous communities face while accessing housing, land, and capital.
“We know that housing is a fundamental human need, and affordable housing has become increasingly difficult to find across Canada,” said Chief Samual Crowfoot of Siksika Nation added in the media release. “Siksika Nation is both excited and grateful for this announcement. With nearly half of our Nation’s membership living off-reserve—many of whom reside in Calgary—this project will have a meaningful and lasting impact for our members and their families. I am excited to see the positive impacts that secure, affordable housing will have on our Nation member’s lives.”
Through Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya, $33 million in funding is provided across two streams.
Stream One is for Engagement and Planning Funding, which will provide upwards of $150,000 over two years to eligible organizations for engagement and planning activities related to non-market housing for Indigenous people living in the City of Calgary.
Stream Two is for Land, Building, and Construction Funding.
As part of Stream Two, a contribution of up to 40 per cent of eligible costs for Indigenous-led housing developments in Calgary.
Under the Housing Development portion of Stream Two, $20.18 million is provided for five projects, which are expected to deliver 147 non-market housing units.
One of those projects is being completed by Siksika Off-Reserve Affordable Housing (SORAH).
Max Lloyd, the General Manager of SORAH, says this announcement is exciting.
Construction on these homes is expected to begin in June, and full occupancy will happen in January 2028.
According to Lloyd, this new development will be for Indigenous urban members living within Treaty 7.
Llyod adds that they applied for this funding.
The City of Calgary has another non-market land sale later this year, and Lloyd says SORAH will be putting their name forward when the city makes that announcement.
These homes, according to Lloyd, won’t just be four walls and a roof, as there will be unique accents built into the homes.
Lloyd says that he believes there will more achievements like this in the future.
This housing program was developed in collaboration with the Housing Solutions Elders Advisory Committee.
Through this program, it helps the call for bold action to address housing inequities in Calgary by supporting Indigenous-led housing models that help to promote healing, cultural connection, and long-term sustainability.
To learn more about SORAH, click here.
To learn more about this funding program, click here.
Comments