OVERVIEW

The Skwah First Nation Housing Department is dedicated to providing safe, healthy and affordable housing for Skwah First Nation members. Its mandate is to implement the housing program through a fair, equitable and efficient application of the Skwah First Nation Housing Policy.

There are currently 13 Band-owned homes that are rented out to members with no vacancies at this time. Skwah FN sees the need for more homes to be available for rent and is working towards filling this need. Members who are interested in renting a home in the community are encouraged to turn in an application form. This helps the Housing Department have a full understanding of the demand and can aid in receiving funding.

Lory Oberst is the Housing Manager for Skwah First Nation. She brings many years of administration and management experience to the position. Lory’s door is always open to members to address any concern from repair and maintenance issues to funding and new housing applications.

There is also a Housing Committee made up of community members from each family which meets monthly. The Housing Committee is responsible for creating the Rental Housing Application list and hearing housing appeals.

HOME MAINTENANCE

As a general rule, homeowners are responsible for most maintenance issues themselves. However, in some instances, such as emergencies, the Skwah FN will step in and aid the homeowner. If a homeowner needs a specialist such as a plumber, electrician or appliance repairman, the band can hire the service needed and bill the owner.

While renters are responsible for most small maintenance issues, as outlined in the Housing Policy Handbook, the Skwah FN will look after all other maintenance and repair issues as well as replace capital items as they wear out.

If you have a maintenance or repair issue, please fill out the Action Form on this page. It will be sent directly to the Housing Department and Lory will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

CALL TO ACTION FORM
RENTAL APPLICATION FORM

GOVERNMENT RENOVATION FUNDING

CMHC RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM (RRAP)

  • $16,000 available
  • For structural, electrical, plumbing, heating and fire safety
  • Can also be used to reduce overcrowding
  • NOT available for modernization or cosmetic repairs
  • Home must be at least 5 years old & cannot have received RRAP funding within the last 15 years
  • Income ceiling of $40,000/yr

AADNC REGULAR REGULATIONS

  • $9,930 available
  • Often used to top up RRAP
  • Funding is for extending the structural / mechanical life of the home by at least 15 years
  • Home must be at least 10 years old and cannot have received AANDC funding within the last 10 years

AANDC MOULD RENOVATIONS

  • $19,869 available
  • Health Canada will determine if home is eligible for assistance
  • Requires three inspections prior to application
    1. Health Canada
    2. Home Inspector
    3. Mould Remediation Inspector
REQUEST FOR RENOVATION FUNDING

PRIVATE FUNDING PARTNERSHIPS

Skwah First Nation has entered into partnerships with two separate entities to help facilitate members getting mortgages and/or renovation loans.

Both the First Nations Market Housing Fund and the RBC First Nations On-Reserve Loan Program allow Skwah First Nation members to apply for mortgages and/or housing loans without having to apply for a Ministerial Guarantee from the government.

WITH BOTH PROGRAMS THE APPLICATION PROTOCOL IS THE SAME:

  • Apply with the participating bank
  • The bank reviews all information and makes a recommendation to the band
  • The band decides to approve or deny the application
  • Should Skwah FN approve the application & co-sign the mortgage/loan, the member must provide collateral.
  • This collateral will be signed over to Skwah First Nation and held until the mortgage or loan is paid off
  • Once the mortgage/loan is paid in full, the land and house will be signed back to the borrower
  • Should the borrower default on their loan or mortgage, the property legally becomes the Band’s
  • Collateral Required:
    1. At least one acre of CP land that the house is or will be built on
    2. The house itself (Note: For exact details, please review the Housing Policy Handbook)

If you would like more information on these programs, please drop by or call the Housing Department. Lory would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.