Social services board assumes control of non-profit housing units in North Bay

The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board is taking control of 22 non-profit housing units in North Bay’s south end.

The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board is taking control of 22 townhouse units known as the Niska Non-Profit Homes in North Bay’s south end.

The board said it had no choice after all but one board member that oversees the housing complex quit.

To make sure the low-income townhouses are not lost, the social services board assumed control of the units.

“How do you replace a housing facility like that?” said board chair Mark King.

All but one quit

“It takes … about three years once you go through the planning process to make something like that happen.”

The 22 stacked townhouse subsidized housing units were operated by Niska until all but one board member quit, leaving the complex in limbo.

“It came right out of the blue,” King said.

“There’s no question we’ll find out what transpired there … I’ve asked for audited statements on that facility.”

Nipissing District Housing Corp. board members will now act as Niska board members. The board said the transition team is made up of the social services board, the housing corporation and former board president Dean Decoste, who has stepped down.

“It has been a great honour to be given the opportunity to serve as a board member, treasurer, and president for the Niska Non-Profit Housing,” Decoste said in a news release.

“As I step down as president to focus on my life, I would greatly thank the NDHC and DNSSAB boards for assuming this responsibility to deliver support and guidance to the residents of Niska. I am confident they will do a great job.”

King said members of the social services board will be updated on the financial position of the complex.

“It’s probably in pretty good shape from the standpoint of the buildings,” he said.

During the first meeting of the newly formed Niska board last week, South Algonquin Mayor Ethel LaValley was appointed president.

“This collaborative approach, building upon the important work of Dean Decoste, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of affordable housing in the Nipissing District,” LaValley said in a statement.

“By aligning the expertise and resources of DNSSAB and NDHC, we are confident that Niska will continue to provide quality housing support for its residents.”

The housing corporation and social services board said it will focus on making positive changes to ensure the long-term sustainability of Niska’s operations.

As progress is made, updates will be provided to keep the community informed.