Serpent River First Nation breaks ground for new housing development

By Leslie Knibbs

ELLIOT LAKE – Despite the early chill in the air, many people came out to attend the groundbreaking ceremony in Elliot Lake to begin the start of a housing project developed by Serpent River First Nation (SRFN).

The First Nation has taken steps to provide housing opportunities for citizens living in Elliot Lake. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 25 at the site of the new project. Working in collaboration with Elliot Lake and RSG General Contracting from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., the plan is to build 22 townhouses with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, each with an attached garage. The development is located in a residential area at 80 Dieppe Avenue within a short distance of shops and services. With pre-established facilities and services, water and sewage are available.

The project came about following community engagement sessions at SRFN over the past year and provided Chief and Council “with the guidance and support to focus on off-reserve housing,” according to a media release. The rental properties will be available to members of SRFN, as well as the public.

Chief Wilma-Lee Johnston, Councillors Steve Meawasige and Shirley McLeod, and Elliot Lake Mayor Andrew Wannan took part in the groundbreaking. Before the groundbreaking, Chief and councillors together, with Lee-Simpson Johnston, performed a ceremony near the bush at the back of the site with a prayer song and drumming, as well as the laying down of Semaa. Chief Wilma-Lee spoke before the start of the groundbreaking.

“It is with great pride and gratitude that I welcome you all to this groundbreaking ceremony, making a bold new chapter for SRFN and the future of urban housing in our region. Today, we stand together on the threshold of progress, united in purpose and hope, as we break ground for a remarkable project: 23 new housing units that will offer comfort, dignity, and a foundation for growth to families in need.”

Further to this, she added, “Across Canada, we face unprecedented challenges, rising costs, growing demand, and the urgent need for safe, quality homes. Yet today, here in the city of Elliot Lake, in the heart of Serpent River First Nation Territory, we answer that call with action, vision, and solidarity.”

The development is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2026, with some of the units ready for occupancy in early 2026.