Housing Update

Brunswick House First Nation’s Housing Department is committed to strengthening transparency, planning, and communication with all community members.

In this update, Housing Manager Bonnie Emma Saunders shares what she has learned over the past several months and why it is important for all of us to understand how our homes are funded and cared for.

Our community housing is Nation-owned, not individually owned. Homes are built, repaired, and maintained using funding received from ISC, CMHC, and revenue collected through rent. These homes are considered community assets, meaning their condition directly affects the financial health of our Nation.

When a new home is built, the funding is not free money—the Nation must take out a mortgage, which must be repaid monthly. Because of this, a minimum rent is required, as outlined in funding agreements with CMHC and ISC.

Rental revenue helps:

• • • Pay the mortgage
    • Support construction of future homes
    • Cover basic maintenance and small repairs

Funding for homes 10+ years old is limited and competitive, and does not cover all repair needs. This is why housing upkeep, responsible tenancy, and shared accountability are so important. Damage or neglect increases costs for everyone and reduces our ability to maintain and build homes for families, seniors, and members in aging units.

The Housing Department remains committed to ongoing learning, stronger systems, and improved transparency for the benefit of the whole community.