Brantford Breaks Ground on New Affordable Housing for Indigenous Families

Brantford Native Housing (BNH) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new affordable housing development designed specifically for Indigenous families on March 29, 2024. The West Street project will offer 18 affordable housing units tailored for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, all available at below-market rent.

This project features a combination of one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as office space, indoor and outdoor programming areas, and a traditional medicine garden. The development is supported by the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI), which provided $10 million for construction, alongside $5 million in co-investment funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Community and Cultural Significance

The design of the housing complex is led by Smoke Architecture, an all-Indigenous and women-led team, with construction by Paulsan Construction Inc.. During the ceremony, Elder Gail Whitlow offered a blessing over the land, emphasizing the cultural importance of acknowledging the ancestors who once lived there. “One of the reasons we do a blessing is because the ancestors that walked before us are still walking among us,” she stated. “This is kind of like a courtesy; just like we have courtesies in our human form, ancestors have courtesy calls too.”

Following the blessing, Shane Bomberry, vice-president of BNH’s board of directors, addressed attendees, reflecting on the historical context of Indigenous communities in Brantford. “The story of Indigenous people in Brantford has been marked by generations of pain, trauma, and displacement,” he said. Bomberry highlighted that the project is about reclaiming cultural security and providing a stable community for future generations.

Government Support and Collaborative Efforts

City officials also expressed their commitment to reconciliation during the ceremony. Mayor Kevin Davis noted, “The City has contributed about $1.1 million towards this construction, waived $50,000 in permitting fees, and entered into rent supplement agreements for ten of these units.” He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to create a brighter future for all community members.

John Gordon, Chief Executive Director of NICHI, praised the initiative as a model of collaboration. “The Brantford Street West Project demonstrates what can happen when Indigenous-led solutions are supported and trusted,” he remarked. Gordon acknowledged BNH’s long-standing advocacy for safe and affordable housing for Indigenous families.

Alma Arguello, Executive Director of BNH, concluded the ceremony by expressing gratitude towards everyone involved in the project. She emphasized that the housing initiative stands as a testament to the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. “This build is what Truth and Reconciliation looks like in action,” Arguello stated. “Together, we are building more than housing; we’re building hope, healing, and a future where Indigenous families can thrive.”

The project represents a significant step forward for Indigenous communities in Brantford, aiming to foster dignity, respect, and cultural safety through accessible housing. As the development progresses, it will serve as a symbol of resilience and a commitment to healing and reconciliation.