Blood Tribe housing department says vandalism causing big losses

The Blood Tribe says its housing department is reporting large losses because of vandalism of vacant and boarded up buildings. Many of the units have been boarded up after evictions resulting from drug trafficking and use, according to Blood Tribe communications officer Blaire Russell. 

In a post on the Communication department’s website, he said the damages include broken windows and entry ways, extensive structural damage and fires. 

The Blood Tribe Housing Department has 1,300 units on the reserve and five housing relations officers and five maintenance workers to oversee them. 

Blood Tribe Chief and council passed a resolution on April 17 to use about $1.5 million of tribe money for initiatives to combat the opioid crisis. Money will be set aside for the housing department to repair damaged properties and project manager, Bernis Wells, said repairs are estimated to range from $30,000 to more than $100,000 for each home. 

READ MORE: Police task force, housing initiative to combat opioid crisis on the Blood Tribe 

He said there are currently 20 boarded up units in the Standoff Townsite, three have burned down and seven are slated for demolition. He added it could cost up to $300,000 to tear down a unit and replace it. 

The housing department has implemented security for boarded up units and is working with the Blood Tribe Police Service to prevent damage.