NEWS RELEASE
METIS NATION OF ONTARIO
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The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is proud to announce the upcoming groundbreaking of a new affordable housing development in Midland, which will transform the local housing landscape for Métis citizens and respond to critical community needs.
The groundbreaking will take place at 11 a.m. on Oct. 25 at 283 Barnett Ave., the future development site of the homes. Members of the media and local community are invited to attend.
"The Midland housing development is a testament to the successful collaboration between the MNO, its committed partners, and supportive stakeholders who all share the vision of fostering more affordable, inclusive, and vibrant communities,” said MNO President, Margaret Froh.
“This project is partially funded through the Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, a Government of Canada initiative empowering Métis citizens to manage funding for housing in a manner they find most effective,” said Froh. “This allows us to address these needs in a manner that aligns with our community's unique requirements and priorities.”
The investment in this property stems from insights gathered in the 2022-23 MNO Housing Census, which highlighted the urgent need for initiatives in MNO’s governance and program delivery catchment area of Region 7, including Midland. These insights include:
- 50% of households in the region contain three or more individuals, highlighting the demand for larger living spaces to accommodate families.
- 37% of households have low incomes, defined as less than $70,000, underscoring the urgent need for affordable housing solutions.
- 14% of households fall into the moderate-income bracket, demonstrating diverse financial situations within the community.
- 16% of households require adaptations for disabilities, emphasizing the need for accessible housing options.
- 6% of currently housed respondents expressed concerns about potential homelessness within the next 12 months, while an additional 10% were uncertain about their housing stability.
"Every Métis citizen has a right to safe and affordable homes and we’ve been hearing from local citizens that this is a top concern – so we’re taking bold steps to address this,” said Regional Councillor, David Dusome.
The project, situated on a 1.53-acre site, is set to feature 14 residential lots, offering diverse housing options tailored to the needs of Métis families in the Region 7 area. The site is shovel-ready, with construction anticipated to commence in spring-2024 and occupation slated for early-2025. Civil works including earthworks, sewage, and electrical will be completed this fall.
“The groundbreaking of the Midland housing development is a landmark moment for the Métis Nation of Ontario,” said Dusome. “It exemplifies our unwavering dedication to providing not only homes but also a sense of belonging and security for Métis families in the region.”
“The groundbreaking of this affordable housing development is a beacon of hope for Midland. It addresses urgent housing needs for Métis citizens while also fostering broader community growth,” said Mayor of Midland, Bill Gordon. “Safe, affordable homes are the bedrock of thriving communities, and this project is a significant stride towards a brighter, more inclusive future.”
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