“Housing is a Shared Responsibility”

November 2008

Whitefish River First Nation Housing staff attended the 13th Annual Technical Services Conference –New Directions: Fostering Idea, Partnerships and Opportunities on October 6-8, 2008 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

During the opening ceremonies Whitefish River First Nation received a Certificate of Recognition”.  This certificate recognizes the leadership role taken by organizations that have made long-tem commitments to conserve electricity in Ontario.  Presented to Whitefish River First Nation on October 7, 2008.  Congratulations for reflecting the honour of your historic cultural values in your building practices, and contributing to a culture of conservation in Ontario signed Peter Love, Chief Energy Conservation Officer.

The conference provided the staff with the opportunity to network with other First Nations and organizations sharing housing challenges and success stories.  We had opportunity to discuss with organizations in partnership opportunities both for construction projects, housing development and training needs. 

Housing

Housing Manager

The Housing Manager is responsible for on-going planning, coordinating and development of new and existing housing projects within the land base of the Whitefish River First Nation.  The Manager reports directly to the Executive Director and Chief and Council on all housing issues regarding new developments, renovations, placements, construction projects and future development prospects.  Works closely with government agencies such as INAC, CMHC, UCCM Tech Services and other First Nation Agencies.

Here we are in the month of May.  The month for flowers and trees to be blooming, splashing our landscape with the many shades of green, and the bees will be just a buzzing, the birds will be singing.  Isn’t that just beautiful!! Spring is here, and it’s time for spring cleaning!! Here are a few maintenance tips: 

Tenant Responsibilities

Whitefish River First Nation Housing Department has received 5 damage reports in the last two months, involving doors and windows ranging from $200.00 to $1,000.00.  These damages were caused by tenants own occupants or irresponsibility.  This cost totals approximately $2,000.00 in our first quarter of maintenance costs and takes time from other projects to repair this work.

 Tenants as part of your rental Agreement Section #4 of Tenants Covenants section K – Repairs – Tenant’s Responsibilities states:

“Decorating: such as painting and minor repairs are the responsibility of the Tenant.  Inspections at least once a year will be carried out and repairs required listed.  The landlord will bear the cost of repairs deemed to be the landlord’s responsibility.  Repairs deemed to be the Tenant’s Responsibility will be directed to the Tenant to carry out.  Failure of the Tenant to carry out repairs, within a reasonable time, will result in the landlord doing so and charging the cost to the Tenant.  Failure of the Tenant to remit payment for the repairs is breach of the lease agreement.  Disagreements between the landlord and Tenant’s responsibility for repairs will be taken to the Housing Committee for recommendations which Chief and Council will make a final decision on.”

Homeowner’s Insurance and Content’s Insurance

Homeowners and Tenants, as part of your housing loan agreement or Rental agreement, you are required to submit a copy of your insurance coverage on an annual basis.  Please submit a copy of your homeowner’s/Content insurance as soon as possible.  For those who have already submitted a copy of their insurance coverage Chi-MiiGwetch.

Open Houses 

were held on April 24^th, 2007, to allow community members a chance to view the newly constructed CMHC Section 95 rental units and the INAC Enhanced Housing  Rental Units.  Approximately 30 people attended the open houses along with Representatives from INAC. 

Charles Nadjiwon stated: “They are impressed with what is happening in our community, and that the Whitefish River First Nation Housing Initiative is such a positive model…. A model of how good governance, hard work and real commitment has meant bigger, better and healthier housing for Whitefish River First Nation and as a model to other First Nations of what can happen when a community works together to achieve results.”

The Spring Home Maintenance Workshop was held on April 26th, 2007 from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. This workshop is the first of four home maintenance workshops planned throughout the year, and it was attended by approximately 25 community members. Guest speakers were invited to give a presentation in the following areas: Derek McGregor from McGregor Tech presented information on Humidity and Ventilation, Bill Rideout, Environmental Health Officer presented information on Indoor Air Quality and Mold, and John Kenwell from Kenwell Heating gave a presentation on the Operation and Maintenance of the Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV). Community members who attended had a chance to win a lawnmower. Caroline Jacko won the lawnmower. Prizes were also given for the closest guess for the number of nails in a pail, unscramble puzzle, log sawing and nail driving.

Our next Home Maintenance Workshop is scheduled for July 19th, 2007.