City leverages Federal funding to support Aboriginal Housing Society project

There is a major boost to Lethbridge’s affordable housing supply, with a new project rooted in Indigenous culture and community.

Thanks in part to $1.8 million of funding support from the City of Lethbridge, an Aboriginal Housing Society project adds 132 new housing units to the city’s inventory. Half of the units will be held at affordable rates for at least 20 years.

Known as Iinii’toyis in Blackfoot, the Buffalo Lodge project (located at 2901 Stafford Drive North in Legacy Ridge) consists of townhouses and apartments on a five-acre property. It aims to provide a “community within a community” for its residents and to help meet demands amid the ongoing housing crisis across Canada.

Access to affordable and social housing options is identified as a major gap within the city. This project helps meet the housing needs of the Indigenous community – identified as a high priority in the City’s Municipal Housing Strategy. Lethbridge City Council approved the strategy earlier this year.

In April 2022, City Administration provided $300,000 for this project’s development and planning. In December 2022, Lethbridge City Council voted in favour of conditionally supporting the allocation of an additional $1.5 million of Affordable and Social Housing Capital Grant funding from the 2022-2031 D-32 Affordable Housing CIP project to the Aboriginal Housing Society. No operational funding from the City of Lethbridge was requested.

The City’s funds helped secure the Federal funding for the Iinii’toyis project, which includes:

• $34,997,000 from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Affordable Housing Funding
• A $1.9 million grant from the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporation

“On behalf of Lethbridge City Council, I want to thank the Aboriginal Housing Society and the Federal Government for making this vital project a reality,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “We know the housing need is there. This is a great example of collaboration providing more options and opportunities in our community.”

The Affordable Housing Funding provides low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to help build new affordable homes and renovate and repair existing, affordable and community housing. This program, under the National Housing Strategy, gives priority to projects that help people who need it most. This includes women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans and young adults.

The City’s Community Social Development team applauds the creative approach to helping with housing needs in the community.

“Housing is not a sole-jurisdiction issue, so having Federal and Municipal funding support an integral project such as this is critically important for our community,” says Matthew Pitcher, the City’s Housing Solutions Coordinator. “As the national housing crisis continues, it is through meaningful and effective partnerships like these where positive outcomes will continue to occur.”

“The Aboriginal Housing Society is dedicated to creating safe, inclusive homes that reflect Indigenous culture, values and community,” says Board Chair, Melissa Many Fingers. “Through projects like Iinii’toyis, our organization supports Indigenous individuals and families by fostering belonging, independence and a sense of place. With strong collaboration from all levels of government, the society proudly contributes innovative housing solutions during a time of national housing need.”

The Iinii’toyis project's total cost is estimated at $37.6 million. The property features units offering one to three bedrooms that house students, bachelors, families and elders. It also features an outdoor space and a community cultural centre available for its residents.

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