A First Nation southwest of Edmonton is looking to address its residence wait list with the announcement of what officials call a “major housing development” this year. A new development on Enoch Cree Nation will prepare lots for about 166 new homes. The project is backed by a $30-million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank and funding from the First Nations Finance Authority. Enoch Cree Nation proponents say the developments will chip away at the 350 families awaiting homes in the area. “This is a game changer,” Chief Cody Thomas told CTV News Edmonton on Friday. “There’s work that was done behind the scenes … having the involvement and push to say we need more houses and for leadership to find a solution, and that we’re not going to wait for anybody to come and save us.” He says the development should increase the standard of living for residents, especially youth who get the “opportunity to have a yard, play outside.” “Our former townsite was nothing like this. We’re very blessed.” Once built, the homes are meant to be sold at an affordable market rate. The First Nation was not clear on when developments would be complete. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Dave Mitchell
