Environmental Sustainability

OAHS Practices Environmental Sustainability

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services provides affordable and adequate housing services to urban and rural Aboriginal people in Ontario requiring assistance adequate to their needs at a cost within their means. One way to keep costs low, of course, is to ensure the most efficient use of energy.

OAHS – Rural Native Housing Program

The Social Housing Renovation and Retrofit Program (SHRRP) is a capital grant program that assists eligible social housing providers to renovate and upgrade social housing projects. The 1,524 Rural and Native Housing (RNH) rental units owned and operated by OAHS qualifies for funding under this program.  Over the two fiscal years ending March 31, 2010 and 2011, OAHS received funding from Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to renovate 465 of these properties.  The program was designed with a strong emphasis on improving the health and safety of tenants and increasing the energy efficiency and physical accessibility of the buildings. These investments will extend the life of a building system or components, contribute to an improved quality of life for the tenants, contribute to the reduction of social housing operating costs and assist in the reduction of waiting lists including restoration of vacant or abandoned units. Eligible costs included roofs, windows, doors, building envelope, HVAC systems, kitchen and bathroom facilities and safety features.

OAHS – Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Homeownership Component

OAHS administers the Affordable Housing Program designed for the homeownership portfolio within the Rural & Native Housing program. OAHS has help 185 homeowners cover the cost of major repairs. These major items range from heating system replacements, window and exterior door replacements, water treatment/filtration systems, ventilation, waterproofing, siding, soffit and facia repairs. The AHP program is designed to keep units warm, dry and to alleviate some of the costs of heating. OAHS encourages clients to select EnergyStar rated products and appliances, and to use eco-friendly materials.

First Nation, Inuit, Métis Urban and Rural (FIMUR) Assisted Homeownership Program

This relatively new program provides down payment assistance in the form of a forgivable loan to Aboriginal individuals or families that qualify for a first mortgage. One of the closing costs covered by OAHS is an optional EcoEnergy assessment. This assessment and associated retrofits helps our new homeowners save money on their utility bills while at the same time using energy in the most efficient manner to reduce their impact on the environment. This involves replacing old and high-energy consuming appliances, windows, lighting, heat sources, etc.

External to OAHS

OAHS is a founding member and sponsor of Sault North Waste Management Council. OAHS provided the support that was necessary to allow SNWMC to become incorporated and self-sustaining. You can find more information at www.snwmc.com.

Additional Resources:

Ontario Ministry of Energy – Ontario Home Energy Audit
Natural Resources Canada - ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes
Natural Resources Canada – Office of Energy Efficiency
Ontario Power Authority