Manitoba Metis Federation

Deputy Minister: Ed Charrier

The Rural and Native Housing Program was first introduced in 1974 in response to demands to improve housing conditions for off-reserve and Metis households in Canada. The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) has been an active player in Rural and Native Housing at both the national and local levels virtually since the program’s inception. Originally, the federal/provincial government partnership utilized the MMF as a delivery agent because of its extensive network of contacts and intimate knowledge and understanding of the needs and demands in rural and remote areas.

The MMF has a long history in the delivery of various housing repair programs and management of housing in Manitoba and is currently responsible for the day-to-day management of 1234 housing units under the Rural and Native Housing portfolio under a property management agreement with the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation (MHRC).

Under the current property management agreement, the CHMM’s responsibilities include such items as community consultations, taking applications from qualified clients, client counseling, income reviews, day-today maintenance, tenancy agreements, addressing mould-related repairs, boarding and securing of vacant units and insurance claims. Additionally, all training and monitoring of the local housing boards is the responsibility of the MMF/Community Housing Managers of Manitoba (CHMM).

To meet the increasing need for suitable and affordable housing, now and into the future, increased funding from the MHRC, coupled with a strong focus on the management of the current housing portfolio by the CHMM, must continue.

2008/2009 – A Year in Review There were many positive changes and advances made within the CHMM department for the 2008/2009 year. Through several negotiation meetings with the MHRC, CHMM has managed to attain an increase to both our operating budget as well as our maintenance budget. For the third consecutive year, CHMM has received a three per cent overall increase to our operating budget as well as a seven per cent increase to our maintenance and repair budget.

The CHMM has been advised by the MHRC that we are now in a position to access an additional $1,000,000 to address capital repairs. These types of repairs involve the repair or replacement of major structural items such as roofs, windows, doors, etc. Since the last report, CHMM has successfully began tapping into these additional funds. Although at this time the process is a slow one, it is moving forward with several requests now in to the MHRC, and CHMM is waiting for approval.

April 1, 2009 brought the new budget for the year and the staff are extremely busy with repairs to its 1200-plus units. Additionally, we are looking at doing a number of major projects this year, with several additions to units taking place. Communities where these additions are scheduled include Cross Lake, Crane River and Moose Lake.

April 1, 2009 brought the new budget for the year and the staff are extremely busy with repairs to its 1200-plus units. Additionally, we are looking at doing a number of major projects this year, with several additions to units taking place. Communities where these additions are scheduled include Cross Lake, Crane River and Moose Lake.

In terms of staffing, CHMM is currently working at full capacity. We have 11 in-house staff and four Housing Development Officers located in the Northwest, The Pas and Thompson Regions, as well as one Housing Development Officer who works out of the Home Office and manages the Interlake, Southeast and Southwest Regions.

CHMM also continues to work closely with the housing boards and managers we have established in several communities in the province. In addition to this, CHMM has hired “Community Contact Persons” in three communities. A Community Contact Person provides many of the same services as a housing manager. This initiative is proving to be very successful, and we are looking at expanding into several other communities.

Last year, CHMM had reinstated community consultation meetings and will be continuing with this positive initiative this year. The community consultation meetings provide the CHMM an opportunity to advise community members of any upcoming planned activity for their areas. It also gives the community members occasion to voice any concerns they may have.

Affordable Housing – Lease-to-Own Housing Project

Update
Construction on the ten single family houses is now complete, with eight of the ten units occupied. At this time, units available for occupancy include: one unit in Powerview and one unit in Eriksdale.

Program Description
The MMF will develop, own and manage these homes. The federal and provincial governments are providing a grant of $180,000 per unit to buy the land and pay for costs.

The primary target occupant is the ‘working poor’ within the maximum ingoing Household Income Limits (HILs) set by governments (e.g. $31,000 [three bedroom] for rural urban communities). A subsequent exception allows up to four units to have an income limit of up to $49,900.

This program is targeted at families with children who have a strong desire to become homeowners. It will provide Metis families with an opportunity for stability and equity- building over time. If the original family lives in the house for ten years and can handle the additional costs of home ownership, it is the intent of the MMF to turn ownership over to them. After ten years, the houses can be sold to the original occupant at 50 per cent of the future market value.

Rents in the first year are $725 per month, including heat, light and taxes. Annual adjustments will be required if costs increase. Where employment income for the household is insufficient, additional subsidy is available to bring rents down to 27 per cent of household income during the rental period only. At least one applicant must be employed.

Given that the MMF will be the owner-operator of these houses, it is important that we develop the houses in communities of growth with good long-term demand and that we have well-employed tenants with reasonable credit history who wish to become homeowners in the future. The cost of any long-term vacancies or arrears is the responsibility of the MMF.

Project Description
The project consists of ten single houses of approximately 1100 sq ft each. Locations include two units in Powerview, three units in St. Eustache, one unit in Eriksdale, and four units in Dauphin.

Applications for the Rent-to-Own Units
We are currently accepting applications from interested and qualified applicants for Powerview and Eriksdale. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. At least one spouse must be steadily employed and a reasonable credit rating should exist. Input from Regions and/or Locals will be important in the client selection process.

The Manitoba Metis Federation Board representatives, Carl Chartrand and Ed Charrier, along with all the staff of the CHMM, are looking forward to continuing our efforts in providing decent, affordable housing to Metis people across the province.