Community Notice from Sipekne'katik Chief & Council

RE: Housing Updates

Sipekne'katik Chief and Council are pleased to announce the approval of twenty (20) new homes for our community. This includes four (4) three-bedroom homes and sixteen (16) one-bedroom homes, funded through federal resources, existing program funds, and social rent income.

Due to existing infrastructure limitations, the new homes will be placed on lots approved during the 'Call for Lots' initiative released in March 2024. We are also actively seeking additional land for future housing developments and preparing to expand Burma Road to support these projects.

Residents currently living in Indian Brook who have large spaces and are open to housing development options are encouraged to reach out to the Sipekne'katik Housing Department via email at vmaloney@sipeknekatik.ca and cc:michelleglasgow@sipeknekatik.ca. The options include:

Option A: I have a large space near my home and am open to Sipekne'katik First Nation developing it with a band-owned home.

Option B: I have a large space near my home and am open to Sipekne'katik First Nation placing a smaller band-owned home on it if I can relocate to the new smaller home (downsize) and pass my existing home on to my children/family that need it.

We are also working diligently to secure housing for our satellite communities. For the Pennal Reserve in New Ross, we are addressing soil contamination and water supply challenges, collaborating with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq and other agencies for a comprehensive assessment and remediation plan. In Wallace Hills 14A, we are liaising with Halifax Regional Municipality to develop necessary water infrastructure to support future housing.

Additionally, the housing policy is currently under review and will be finalized and shared with the community in the new year. We would like to remind all community members that housing applications must be completed and resubmitted annually. Any repair requests are to be directed to the housing department.

This information is shared to uphold our commitment to transparency and accountability, and we will continue to provide updates as new developments arise.