OTTAWA,
ON, June 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Native Women's Association of
Canada (NWAC) today announced
plans for a new housing design model that better meets the needs of
Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse
(WG2STGD+) people.
NWAC conducted extensive research and worked with architects to
design plans for a sustainable, affordable, accessible and
culturally appropriate (SAACA) housing design framework. The
project, which looks at the Indigenous housing and housing for
those in greatest need received $100,000 in funding from CMHC. NWAC's research
identifies successful housing features and models for SAACA housing
in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada. The research included a literature
review, cross-jurisdictional scan and national online survey. One
key focus area was to identify the differences among subgroups of
Indigenous WG2STGD+ people and housing needs based on geography
within Canada, given the vastly
different climates, ground conditions, traditional and cultural
housing. The proposed design for SAACA housing and its various
features aims to respond to these distinct needs.
The housing design framework includes culturally appropriate
features such as accommodating the needs of larger families and
multigenerational living, windows on all sides and skylights for
natural light, a central gathering area, free-standing round wood
stove with a dining table around it, an open kitchen concept and an
exterior attached storage shed. The design also incorporates
sustainable features such as solar panels on the roof, rain
collectors and a greenhouse leading to the rear yard. It also
factors in accessibility with elements such as wider entrances and
affordable features such as exceeding recommended minimum
insulation requirements to reduce heating and cooling costs. The
next step is for NWAC to secure funding to develop and test a
prototype of this housing model.
Quote(s):
"NWAC has consistently recognized and advocated for Indigenous
WG2STGD+ people's right to security and the guarantee of housing.
We appreciate the support from CMHC in the development of
affordable and culturally appropriate housing model. We look
forward to further initiatives that address housing needs for First
Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada."
— Carol McBride, President of
NWAC
"Better understanding and addressing the housing needs of
Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse
(WG2STGD+) people is key to fostering reconciliation and inclusion
in our communities across the country. The housing design based on
this research will be essential to ensuring that people can remain
in their communities, connected to their identity, families and
culture. We are proud to support this important work by NWAC, and
excited to see this project is coming to fruition."
— Mathieu Laberge, CMHC Senior
Vice President of Housing Economics and Insights
Read CMHC's Housing Research Insight about this
project: Development of a Sustainable, Affordable and
Culturally Appropriate Housing Model.
CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and
financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need,
and offers objective housing research and information to all levels
of governments, consumers and the housing industry.
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SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)