Enoch Cree Nation secures $30-million federal loan for new housing

ENOCH -- The Enoch Cree Nation recently secured a $30-million federal loan to advance local housing infrastructure. 

The loan was provided by the Canada Infrastructure Bank and aims to address critical housing pressures within the community. CIB officials say the loan will help service ECN land for development, including roads, water, and wastewater systems, utilities, site preparation, and solar panel installations. This work will prepare the land for approximately 166 new residential units in the growing region.

"This investment builds on our growing partnership with Enoch Cree Nation and supports the Nation's long-term vision for housing, infrastructure, and economic development," said Canada Infrastructure Bank CEO Ehren Cory. "By financing the enabling infrastructure needed for new homes, we are helping address housing pressures, support community growth, and create the conditions for future generations to thrive on reserve."

Cory says that once fully constructed, the new homes will be leased exclusively to ECN members at affordable rates. This comes as part of a plan designed to accommodate larger, multi-generational households, as well as smaller units for Elders. The investment is part of the CIB's Indigenous Community lending activities, and represents its largest investment to date in an Indigenous housing project.

"This investment builds on our growing partnership with Enoch Cree Nation and supports the Nation's long-term vision for housing, infrastructure, and economic development," said Canada Infrastructure Bank CEO Ehren Cory. "By financing the enabling infrastructure needed for new homes, we are helping address housing pressures, support community growth, and create the conditions for future generations to thrive on reserve."

The major project aims to address a housing wait list of approximately 350 families on the Enoch Cree Nation.