Pic River Recognized with Housing Innovation Award

Written by admin on 28 March 2011

Garland Moses, Capital housing Manager “The goal was to create a housing strategy that focused on our community needs. By involving community members in the planning process, we were able to not only successfully plan for our future housing needs, but also maintain the uniqueness of our Pic River culture”.

THUNDER BAY, ON – Pic River was recently recognized at the 9^th Annual Northern Housing Conference. The Housing Innovation Showcase is an opportunity to recognize innovations and achievements in housing initiatives at a community level. Attendees say that listening to the Communities recognized as part of this popular awards program is one of the most motivational and inspiring parts of the conference. Pic River dignitaries were recognized on the final evening of the showcase as it culminated with a gathering dinner where they shared their experiences with those in attendance.

From the Housing Conference Press Release (All photos courtesy 9th Annual Northern Housing Conference)…

Ten Years ago the Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation created a long-term housing strategy and plan; today, the community has achieved each of its housing goals.

The plan was delivered back in 2001 as a result of a community survey which asked the membership how many members would be interested in owning homes. The vast majority of the community indicated that they were willing to own their own homes. Once a plan had been drafted, discussions began with the Pic River Council and Housing Committees, and in 2004 the housing plan was finalized.

“The goal was to create a housing strategy that focused on our community needs” says Garland Moses, Capital housing Manager. “By involving community members in the planning process, we were able to not only successfully plan for our future housing needs, but also maintain the uniqueness of our Pic River culture”.

The housing plan included the construction of 40 new residential units, and to date, 47 new housing units have been completed, including the construction of a Six-Plex Complex. Also included in the housing plan was the Home Improvement Program, which would see to the refurbishing of 60 housing units. To date, 33 of the 50 units have been completed under a CMHC program, and another 15 units have been completed under a band-operated program. The remaining units will be completed in the near future.

As part of their housing strategy, the Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation developed an apprenticeship and training program. A Housing Project Construction Team was implemented, with the intent to train a community member to take over the implementation of the renovation project, which has occurred.

Within the parameters of the Housing Project construction Team, four qualified journeymen were engaged to provide team leadership and an apprenticeship scenario for members of the community, and by the end of June 2011, four members of the Pic River First Nation will be certified as journeymen carpenters. Also, Pic River now has a trained electrician who has only one year of certification to complete.

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: Garland Moses, Capital housing Manager “The goal was to create a housing strategy that focused on our community needs. By involving community members in the planning process, we were able to not only successfully plan for our future housing needs, but also maintain the uniqueness of our Pic River culture”.