Construction Begins on Assisted Living Complex at Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation

FOREST, Ontario, May 17, 2006 — The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation marked the start of construction on an Assisted Living Centre with a sod turning ceremony today.

Funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) helped the community members build the eight unit Assisted Living Centre for seniors and persons with disabilities. CMHC provided a direct loan of $600,000 and is also providing an annual subsidy of $49,000 over the life of the loan, under the Section 95 On-Reserve Non-Profit Rental Housing Program.

"The construction of the Assisted Living Centre is an important accomplishment for the people of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation," said Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development." The Government of Canada, through CMHC is proud to partner with members of this community and congratulates them on their efforts to make this project a reality."

The Kettle and Stony Point Band has been working with Two Row Architect and community stakeholders to design a facility that will meet the housing needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities in their community. The 8,921 square foot building includes eight individual one-bedroom units, each with a separate bathroom, a common dining and living area, a family visiting room, a tub/shower room, a kitchen and pantry, a laundry room, and an administration area, all barrier free in design.

"This First Nation is committed to keeping our elders in the community living a full and independent life as long as possible," says Kettle and Stony Point Chief Tom Bressette.

The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation has a membership of approximately 2,000 and is located in southern Ontario along the shores of Lake Huron, 50 kilometres north of Sarnia, near the Michigan border.

The Section 95 On-Reserve Non-Profit Rental Housing Program assists First Nations in the construction, purchase and rehabilitation, and administration of quality housing for Aboriginal people living on-reserve.

CMHC provides approximately $120 million in on-reserve funding each year for new construction and supports some 25,000 units on behalf of the Government of Canada. CMHC is also encouraging more homeownership on-reserve through mortgage loan insurance.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada's national housing agency for over 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country. For more information call 1 800 668-2642.

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