At Liberty Multimedia Inc., we take pride in our collaboration with the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement (PPMS) on transformative projects that address critical housing needs. One such significant milestone has been our partnership through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program (IHCP), where we successfully secured $2.8 million to build homes for the community. This effort is not just about constructing houses—it’s about building a foundation for cultural preservation, sustainable growth, and long-term community well-being.
Funding Procurement Strategies for Indigenous Housing
The success of the Paddle Prairie Affordable Housing Initiative through the IHCP hinged on a comprehensive funding procurement strategy. By working closely with community leaders, government bodies, and organizations such as Communitas and Natural Resources Canada, we secured this funding to construct nine new homes. The ability to stack funding from multiple sources, including the Toward Net Zero Initiative, allowed us to maximize the resources available for building these homes.
This approach not only addressed immediate housing needs but also aligned with long-term sustainability goals by incorporating energy-efficient designs compliant with NBC 2020 and NEBC 2020 standards.
Preserving Cultural Values While Building Homes
The housing crisis in Paddle Prairie extends beyond the lack of physical homes. Approximately 60% of the existing homes in the settlement require repairs due to substandard construction from decades ago. The IHCP provided a solution by allowing the community to build quality new homes while addressing these long-standing challenges.
The design of the homes was deeply rooted in preserving Métis culture. The nine four-bedroom detached units were tailored to meet the specific needs of the community while respecting cultural traditions. These homes are not just living spaces—they represent the future of a community dedicated to sustainable living and cultural preservation.
Community Partnerships and Engagement
One of the key factors in the success of the Paddle Prairie Housing Initiative was the active engagement of the community. We worked hand-in-hand with local leaders, including Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement’s Council and Chief Administrative Officer, to ensure that the new homes addressed both immediate needs and long-term goals. Collaborations with Communitas, Natural Resources Canada, and local contractors like Armstrong Builders ensured the successful execution of the project.
In addition to building homes, the initiative focused on preparing community members for homeownership through workshops on home maintenance, life skills, and energy efficiency. These workshops, hosted at the Paddle Prairie Communiplex, ensured that the families moving into these homes would be equipped to maintain their homes long-term.
Addressing Maintenance Challenges and Sustainability
One of the concerns raised during the IHCP review process was the maintenance of the new homes, given the limited annual maintenance budget of $70,000. To address this, we designed a comprehensive plan that included not only the construction of new homes but also the retrofitting of existing homes. By leveraging additional grants like the Greener Homes Grant, we increased the maintenance and sustainability budget for the entire Settlement.
Through these combined efforts, we ensured that both the new and existing homes in Paddle Prairie would be well-maintained, energy-efficient, and capable of supporting the community’s long-term housing needs.
The Road Ahead: Expanding Success for Future Projects
The Paddle Prairie Affordable Housing Initiative is more than just a project—it’s a model for how Indigenous communities can secure funding and build infrastructure that meets their unique needs. This pilot project has already laid the foundation for future housing initiatives, with plans to expand through additional programs like the Rapid Housing Initiative.
Our collaboration with PPMS and other stakeholders has demonstrated the power of community-driven projects backed by strategic funding procurement. By continuing to align our efforts with cultural values and sustainability goals, we are committed to supporting the long-term growth and resilience of the Paddle Prairie community.
