A new plan by the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association shows how Ontario can build at least 22,000 new subsidized off- reserve Indigenous owned and operated units.
The association has provided a blueprint for government, private sector, and non-profit partners to address the disproportionate rates of core housing needs among Indigenous households living in urban and rural Ontario.
The Urban and Rural Indigenous Housing Implementation Plan for Ontario Building would see 22,000 units built over 10 years. That could add 95,000 year-jobs into the market in the construction sector and other industries, while adding $3.8 billion to the province's economy through construction multipliers and saving $14.3 billion in system efficiencies.
"Indigenous members within the community housing sector have already done the hard work to map the needs and develop the strategy. What's needed now is a commitment from all levels of government to fund the Plan. With economic benefits and cost-savings totaling $14.3 billion, it's a clear win for everyone," said Marlene Coffey, CEO, ONPHA.
Affordable housing is critical to meet Canada's reconciliation goals and increase Indigenous communities' quality of life.