A First Nation west of Prince George is investing in much-needed housing as part of a B.C. government revenue-sharing deal.
The Nadleh Whut’en First Nation near Fort Fraser is building six new homes after the 2018 Shovel Lake Wildfire left some family homes with irreparable smoke and water damage.
The First Nation is putting its portion of community gaming revenue-sharing funds into the project.
Last August, the Province transferred nearly $200 million to the BC First Nations Gaming Revenue Limited Partnership, providing the first two years of shared gaming revenue available to eligible First Nations.
“We are pleased that the gaming revenue-sharing funds are available to support our home building program,” said Chief Larry Nooski, Nadleh Whut‘en First Nation in a news release. “Over the next two years, we plan on building up to 30 new homes for our members. I applaud Premier John Horgan and First Nations leadership on getting such an important revenue-sharing agreement done this year.”
The Nation is using that money to leverage other sources to finance the Nadleh Housing Program.
According to the province, overcrowding, along with aging and deteriorating homes, is a widespread problem in the community.
There are currently 76 people on a waiting list for housing.
