February 4, 2011
Manitoba Signs Agreement with Sagkeeng First Nation Housing Authority to Manage Two Manitoba Housing Complexes in Winnipeg
The province is transferring property management of two provincially managed housing complexes in Winnipeg to the Sagkeeng First Nation Housing Authority in recognition of the importance of establishing and building the capacity of Aboriginal housing organizations to deliver and manage housing for First Nations individuals and families who choose to live off-reserve, Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
“Today marks another milestone as we continue to build strong working relationships with First Nations leadership,” said Irvin-Ross. “Supporting housing options for First Nations people is one of the priorities identified in HOMEWorks!, Manitoba’s long-term housing strategy.
The two complexes are located at 25 Gaylene Pl. and 2339 Pembina Hwy. in Winnipeg. Manitoba Housing remains the owner of the properties but Sagkeeng First Nation Housing Authority will provide property management services for the tenants living in the units.
“This is a proud day for the people of Sagkeeng,” said Chief Donavan Fontaine of Sagkeeng First Nation. “With this partnership we can begin to immediately provide affordable housing to our people, particularly those who have come to Winnipeg to complete higher education at the nearby University of Manitoba.”
The two projects consist of 15 one-bedroom units, 51 two-bedroom units, 31 three-bedroom units, five four-bedroom units and two five-bedroom units.
The minister noted all existing tenancies will be respected and Sagkeeng First Nation Housing Authority will establish a waiting list of eligible applicants for vacancies as they occur.
A transition plan is presently being developed and it is anticipated that full property management services will be provided by Sagkeeng First Nation Housing Authority by spring 2011.
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