Media Release

TBDSSAB and Matawa Announce Capital Project funded by Social Services Relief Funding

Thunder Bay, ON,  October 17, 2022 – The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) and Matawa First Nations Management are partnering to increase transitional housing options in Thunder Bay.

Matawa received $2.1 million in capital funding through the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) to build 21 new transitional housing spaces. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Parliamentary Assistant Kevin Holland joined representatives from Matawa and TBDSSAB in Thunder Bay this afternoon to make the announcement.

The 21 new subsidized supportive housing units are part of the ongoing development of the Matawa Wellness and Training Centre (MWTC) in the former Dawson Court long-term care building on Algoma Street North in Thunder Bay. The project includes on-site access to cultural, health, and educational supports. Construction of the 21 new units began July 2022 and is scheduled to be completed spring 2023.

Matawa has contributed $3 million towards the project over the past 2 years. Energy savings within the 108,000 square foot building will include a reduction of 420.8 tones of carbon dioxide and increased energy efficiency in the amount of 69.9%. It is also anticipated to employ over 300 employees by 2025.

This is the second capital funding partnership announced this year involving TBDSSAB and Matawa. In February, TBDSSAB announced $1.5 million in SSRF capital funding toward 12 transitional and supportive housing spaces and a new community teaching kitchen through Matawa programs. Today’s announcement brings Matawa’s SSRF capital investment to a combined $3.6 million and 33 new transitional and supportive spaces.

Quotes:

“Matawa First Nations Management is pleased to be supported by the TBDSSAB through the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs’ SSRF. This investment will allow us to add 21 transitional housing units at the MWTC for Indigenous families in crisis while providing wrap-around services to assist them as they work to address housing and food insecurity. We are also appreciative of the earlier support for the 6 family units and a community kitchen/food pantry at the MWTC and 6 youth crisis beds at the Matawa Education and Care Centre, they will also provide the relief needed in a trauma-informed and culturally-appropriate way
– Rosemary Moonias, President, Matawa First Nations Management Board of Directors

“On behalf of the TBDSSAB Board of Directors, I am so pleased to continue this important partnership with Matawa. For many people, housing is about so much more than just having a roof over their head. Transitional housing offers the right combination of support, care, and community to help people live with dignity. We are so grateful to Matawa for taking on this important project, and to the province for the SSRF funding that made it possible.”
– Jody Davis, Vice Chair, TBDSSAB Board of Directors

 “Adding 21 new transitional housing units to our system is a major success for our communities—especially combined with the 12 already added by Matawa earlier this year. There are many people throughout the District of Thunder Bay who have faced challenges because there was no choice between homelessness or being inappropriately housed. People who need more supports to become self-sufficient are much better suited to a transitional housing environment, and we’re thankful that community partners like Matawa are helping address this need.”
– Bill Bradica, Chief Administrative Officer, TBDSSAB

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