A 30-unit transitional housing project for Indigenous men will be built on the former Air-Dale Flying Service site in Ontario. The project, funded by $750,000 in federal funding, will provide culturally-appropriate healing services and housing for Indigenous men.
The former Air-Dale Flying Service site at 235 River Road is set to be transformed into a 30-unit transitional housing project specifically designed for Indigenous men. This project, slated to begin in the spring, will receive $750,000 in federal funding announced on Tuesday. This funding will initiate the pre-development planning phase for the healing centre , estimated to cost a total of $14.8 million. Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Services Corp.
(OAHSSC) acquired the waterfront property in February 2024 for $1,088,948 from its previous owner, Robert Dale.Justin Marchand, CEO of OAHSSC, emphasized the organization's role as both developer and long-term property manager, with the Indigenous Friendship Centre taking on the responsibility of operation. The project aims to address the pressing housing crisis within the urban Indigenous community. By channeling funding through OAHSSC, the initiative ensures that Indigenous communities have a direct voice in shaping the type of housing and its architectural design. Marchand highlighted the project's commitment to creating a beautiful and functional building, both inside and out, with spaces dedicated to promoting cultural and healing activities in a traditional setting.He noted that the property is already zoned for the project and nearby residents have been informed. Marchand reported that the response from neighbors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about the prospect of a new and attractive building in the area. Cathy Syrette, executive director of the Indigenous Friendship Centre, underscored the crucial need for transitional housing specifically tailored to Indigenous men in the community. She explained that the 30-bed healing centre will provide daily or evening support from male staff who will offer rotating services to the residents. Syrette emphasized that healing for Indigenous people is deeply rooted in their culture. She pointed out that most existing services primarily cater to women and children, making this project a unique and essential resource for men. Syrette envisions the waterfront location enabling culturally relevant activities for the residents, such as canoe building and kayaking. Plans include an outdoor healing space featuring a lodge, along with a food and medicine garden to cultivate tobacco, sage, and sweet grass. Syrette expressed optimism about the project's future, stating, 'We have so many visions for the future for our men at that place.' While programming is still under development, Syrette clarified that there will not be a fixed duration for residency. She explained that healing journeys are unique to each individual, with some requiring shorter stays while others may benefit from longer periods. The decision to determine the length of stay will be made on a case-by-case basis, respecting the individual needs and progress of each resident. MP Terry Sheehan made the $750,000 funding announcement on Tuesday at the Indigenous Friendship Centre. This funding allocation represents part of a larger $14.8 million federal grant awarded to OAHSSC to support the development of 593 housing units across Ontario
Indigenous Housing Transitional Housing Healing Centre Ontario Federal Funding Indigenous Friendship Centre
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Indigenous Designer Jennifer Taback Creates Logo for Toronto Maple Leafs Celebrating Indigenous Heritage GameToronto Maple Leafs will feature a new logo designed by Jennifer Taback, CEO of Indigenous-owned and women-led design firm Design de Plume, for their Celebrating Indigenous Heritage game on January 11th. Taback's design incorporates Indigenous perspectives and symbols, including strawberries ('odemin' or 'heart berries'), Georgian Bay water, and sweet grass, representing mind, body, and spirit, and the coming together of multiple things to make it stronger.
Read more »
“It Wasn't Good Service”: Customer Tips 10% For Service, Manager Bans Her From The RestaurantIt’s no secret that for many people, tips comprise a large share of their income. That doesn’t mean that they’re entitled to them, though.
Read more »
Canadian Public Service Productivity Study Ignores Remote Work, Experts SayA working group tasked with measuring productivity in Canada's federal public service has not addressed remote work, despite its growing significance. Experts say the omission is a critical oversight that could hinder efforts to improve efficiency and service delivery. The group, established last year by former Treasury Board president Anita Anand, is exploring a range of issues, including technology use, public service size, and the relationship with the private sector. The study aims to identify ways to boost productivity and improve service delivery to Canadians.
Read more »
Liberal Leadership Hopeful Mark Carney Secures More Cabinet EndorsementsMark Carney, a contender for the Liberal leadership, has received endorsements from four more current and former cabinet ministers, including Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree, former housing minister Sean Fraser, and Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. Carney's stance on carbon pricing, particularly the consumer carbon price, has been a point of discussion, with him suggesting a potential shift and advocating for alternatives.
Read more »
114 unmarked burial features found at former site of McIntosh Indian Residential SchoolAn Indigenous-led research team discovered 114 'unmarked burial features' at the former location of McIntosh Indian Residential School in Ontario, confirming the tragic truth asserted by survivors for decades. The team utilized ground penetrating radar and visual surveys, guided by the knowledge of elders and former students. The findings are a somber validation of the painful history of residential schools and the devastating impact they had on Indigenous communities. The team is dedicated to identifying the individuals buried at McIntosh and providing closure to their families.
Read more »
Six Liberal Leadership Candidates Approved, Arya ExcludedSix of the seven Liberal leadership candidates have been approved to run in the race to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Former central banker Mark Carney, former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, Nova Scotia MP Jaime Battiste, former government House leader Karina Gould and former Brampton, Ont., Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla were all confirmed, as was former Montreal Liberal MP Frank Baylis. Meanwhile, Nepean MP Chandra Arya, the first sitting MP to launch a campaign, was informed that he would not be permitted to run. The candidates now face final confirmation by Elections Canada and the race continues toward a March 9 vote.
Read more »