Bruce Power is helping to make the dream of home ownership come true with its investment of $1 million to Saugeen First Nation housing over a four-year span.
This represents four houses built for community members in need and the first house built will soon be ready to be moved into thanks to efforts from communities and volunteers.
“I am so pleased to have this opportunity to give myself and my son the ability to grow our roots in the community that we love so much,” said Christal Ouimette, Saugeen First Nation community member and home recipient. “Seeing this all come together and being a part of this is more than a dream come true, and for that I am eternally grateful.”
According to Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce, the average wait time for affordable housing in Grey and Bruce is up to four-and-a-half years. With 64 per cent of Ontario residents worrying about sacrificing basic needs such as food, clothing, living essentials and education to afford rent and mortgage payments, the Habitat home-ownership model is structured to create long-term affordability.
“Bruce Power is proud to partner with the Saugeen First Nation to make this important $1-million investment in housing for the community,” said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President. “I want to congratulate the chief, council and the entire administrative team here for all of the work they do on housing.”
The work the partnership is doing is making a big difference in the community.
“Saugeen is always in need for more housing here in the community and with all of the social issues … it’s a big contributing factor in helping with the health and wellness in our community so that our families have a place to call home,” said Chief Conrad Ritchie.
“Since 2018, we’ve been building homes for Nawash and Saugeen First Nations,” said Greg Fryer, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce. “Over those years, we’ve engaged over 3,200 volunteers, who have given 55,000 hours of service with our team and over that time, we have built 37 homes and repaired nearly 200 existing homes.”
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable nuclear power to families and businesses across the province and cancer-fighting medical isotopes around the world. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is a Canadian-owned partnership of TC Energy, OMERS, the Power Workers’ Union and The Society of United Professionals. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.