A new housing project has opened in north Lethbridge.
The Aboriginal Housing Society’s Buffalo Lodge adds 132 housing units to the city.
The complex features townhouses and apartments, with one to three bedrooms that can house students, bachelors, families, and elders.
The Buffalo Lodge, known as Iinii’toyis in Blackfoot, is on five acres at 2901 Stafford Drive North in the Legacy Ridge area.
The total project cost is estimated at $37.6 million, with the City of Lethbridge chipping in $1.8 million in support.
ADDRESSING A NEED
Officials say access to affordable housing and social housing is a serious concern in the city. This latest project helps meet the demand of the Indigenous community, which was identified as a high priority in the City’s Municipal Housing Strategy.
In April 2022, the City approved $300,000 for the Buffalo Lodge’s development and planning. In December of that year, City Council gave the thumbs up to conditionally supporting funding from the 2022-2031 D-32 Affordable Housing CIP project to the Aboriginal Housing Society.
Officials note that no operational funding from the City was requested.
The City’s funds helped in securing federal funding for the project, which includes:
- $34,997,000 from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Affordable Housing Funding;
- $1.9 million grant from the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporation
“We know the housing need is there. This is a great example of collaboration providing more options and opportunities in our community,” says Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen.
The Aboriginal Housing Society’s board chair Melissa Many Fingers says they are dedicated to creating safe and inclusive homes that “reflect Indigenous culture, values and community”. Many Fingers adds, “Through projects like Iinii’toyis, our organization supports Indigenous individuals and families by fostering belonging, independence and a sense of place. With strong collaboration from all levels of government, the society proudly contributes innovative housing solutions during a time of national housing need.”
Matthew Pitcher, the City’s Housing Solutions Coordinator, says housing is not a “sole-jurisdiction issue”.
“As the national housing crisis continues, it is through meaningful and effective partnerships like these where positive outcomes will continue to occur,” he says.
Buffalo Lodge boasts an outdoor space and a community cultural centre, and officials say half of the units will be held at affordable rates for at least 20 years.
