Housing project deemed a success

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After touring the Alexander reserve housing project on July 31 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) official Mike Young called it a "success".

"The tour was very informative . . . I enjoy seeing the finished project on the land," he said.

Jobs and an economic base have been created by the ongoing housing project which has seen 34 houses built since 1983.

Funds have been approved by Indian Affairs and Alexander is in the process of building six more new houses. Through apprenticeship programs during the past six years band members have mastered construction trades. Project Coordinator Ron Arcand says, "We have a tremendous amount of people trained in different trades, so the labor is all supplied by band members."

Arcand adds an economic base is created because "a major portion of the materials are bought locally in Morinville (12 miles east of the reserve)."

A Housing Authority Committee, made up of band members, decides who is eligible for a unit, based mainly on the size of the family and need. As Arcand says, "There are nearly 40 people that apply for homes every year. But, we can only accommodate so many people each year."

Families not fortunate enough to get a house are put on a waiting list, reviewed when houses are available.

When given a bi-level or bungalow unit, rent payments must be met by the owner ? houses are not given to them. However, CMHC subsidizes rent payments when necessary.

All homes, ranging from three to six bedrooms dwellings, must be approved by CMHC.

The total cost for construction for one house id about $12,500. But, this figure does not include the maintenance of the units. This year Alexander will spend $115,000 on renovations, while $75,000 will go towards new houses.

After a $485,180 loan from the Hobbema-owned Peace Hills Trust is paid in 15 years, the Alexander band will own the houses.